Cotton Plants Expressing a Hemipteran-Active Bacillus thuringiensis Crystal Protein Impact the Development and Survival of Lygus hesperus Nymphs

In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of a B. thuringiensis crystal protein with insecticidal activity towards both Lygus hesperus and Lygus lineolaris.  This protein was expressed in transgenic cotton plants and tested for activity against Lygus.  We demonstrate that transgenic cotton plants expressing this protein cause increased mortality and stunting of Lygus nymphs. These results provide a basis for the development of cotton varieties protected from Lygus feeding damage.