Susceptibility of Fall Armyworm Genotypes Carrying Vip3A Resistant Alleles, to Bt Plants and Purified Bt Proteins

In this study, we are looking at the susceptibility of fall armyworm genotypes that are carrying Vip3A resistant alleles, to whole plant Bt corn and Bt cotton squares. We will also confirm resistance with purified Bt proteins. Whole corn plants will be used to test the susceptibility of different genotypes of FAW to different Bt proteins, plants will be grown in the greenhouse and manually infested with newly hatched neonates. After 10 days, survivorship/mortality will be assessed along with damage ratings. Cotton squares will also be used to determine the susceptibility of the FAW, cotton will be planted in the field and squares will be removed and brought back to the laboratory for the bioassay. Newly hatched neonates will be used to infest individual squares, and mortality/survivorship data will be collected. To confirm resistance to individual Bt proteins, purified Bt proteins will be overlaid on to artificial diet and neonates will be placed on the surface of well. After 7 days, survivorship data will be collected.