Life Sciences & Biotechnology

This invention relates to isolating insecticidal protein (Tma12) from an edible fern which interferes with Whitefly?s reproduction. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is one of the emerging sap-sucking pests. It damages several field crops across the world and causes serious yield losses. It is a serious pest in polyhouses too. The insect damages crops by sucking plant sap and transmitting plant viral diseases. A new insecticidal protein Tma12 is toxic to whitefly and interferes with its reproduction at sub-lethal doses. Tma12 gene has been introduced in cotton and the GM (Genetically Modified) cotton lines show high resistance against whitefly infestations. Whitefly resistance protects cotton from viral diseases also. As anti-whitefly gene/protein is sourced from an edible fern, there is a large possibility of transgenic cotton being safe. There is no competitive technology available in world as of now. Though ~96% of cotton grown worldwide is Bt cotton (Bollgard II variety that is resistant to three insect species, known as Bollwarm complex), it is not resistant to whitefly and also