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Impact of Bt Cotton on Animal Health: A Review

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Sabir Hussain Shah at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad-Pakistan
Sabir Hussain Shah
  • Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad-Pakistan
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Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is commonly grown in all over the world to control wide range of pests. Bt cotton have several advantages over conventional chemical fertilizers and biological control methods as it provide safe, quick, efficient and long term resistance against diverse range of cotton insects. With the passage of time several technical, socio-economical, ethical and biosafety issues arises with use of Bt cotton. As Bt cotton adversely affects a variety of non targeted organisms including many beneficial animals. Several researchers have been reported that Bt toxins affect several different species of animals such as cows, buffaloes, model mice, goats, pigs, chickens, herbivores and human. The effect of Bt toxin is more lethal on Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) than other organs in all tested mammals that feed on Bt cotton seeds. Besides its usefulness, Bt toxin also interrupt normal biochemical and biological processes of many important animals. However some findings revealed that Bt toxins affect human lymphocytes and other physiological characters when used in higher concentration. Therefore, the present review is designed to describe the possible lethal effects of different types of Bt proteins on non-target animal species. The present study will be useful to minimize the toxicity associated with Bt cotton on wide ranges of animals.
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Global Veterinaria 14 (3): 377-381, 2015
ISSN 1992-6197
© IDOSI Publications, 2015
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2015.14.03.92166
Corresponding Author: Sohail Ahmad Jan, Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
E-mail: sjan.parc@gmail.com; sohailahmadjan3@gmail.com
377
Impact of Bt Cotton on Animal Health: A Review
Muhammad Amir Zia, Sohail Ahmad Jan, Zabta Khan Shinwari,
1 11
Sabir Hussain Shah and Ali Talha Khalil
21
Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
1
PARC Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture (PIASA), NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is commonly grown in all over the world to control wide range of
pests. Bt cotton have several advantages over conventional chemical fertilizers and biological control methods
as it provide safe, quick, efficient and long term resistance against diverse range of cotton insects. With the
passage of time several technical, socio-economical, ethical and biosafety issues arises with use of Bt cotton.
As Bt cotton adversely affects a variety of non targeted organisms including many beneficial animals. Several
researchers have been reported that Bt toxins affect several different species of animals such as cows,
buffaloes, model mice, goats, pigs, chickens, herbivores and human. The effect of Bt toxin is more lethal on
Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) than other organs in all tested mammals that feed on Bt cotton seeds. Besides its
usefulness, Bt toxin also interrupt normal biochemical and biological processes of many important animals.
However some findings revealed that Bt toxins affect human lymphocytes and other physiological characters
when used in higher concentration. Therefore, the present review is designed to describe the possible lethal
effects of different types of Bt proteins on non-target animal species. The present study will be useful to
minimize the toxicity associated with Bt cotton on wide ranges of animals.
Key words: Bt Cotton Toxin Biosafety Non-Target Animals
INTRODUCTION America, Africa and Asia due to its quick and efficient
Insect is one of the major plant enemies that decades several technical, socio-economical and
damage about 15% of important crops in the world [1, 2]. environmental issues arise from the use of Bt crops as it
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of the important genetic affect a large number of innocent non-target organisms
engineered gram positive bacterium that is used to control including animals [11, 12]. Vertical gene flow of Bt genes
major crops pests. Bt produced a specialize type of through pollen or seeds to non-target organism produce
crystalline proteins against a wide range of insects such some serious biosafety problems [13-15]. Therefore the
as A, D and E- endotoxins. The cry genes also encode present review provides a baseline to describe the
ä-Endotoxins (Cry toxins) that form a crystalline negative effects of Bt cotton on wide range of animal
appearance during sporulation time that cause death of species. The major effects of various Bt toxin alone or in
insect larvae [3-5]. Bt genes have been transformed to combination on non-target organisms are mentioned
many important crops including cotton that provide short below.
and long term tolerance against a large number of insects
from order Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera [6,7]. Effects of Bt Toxin on Various Tissues and Organs
Genetic engineered (Bt) crops have several advantages
over chemical pesticides as it is environmental friendly,
remains for short time in soil and provide durable
resistance against wide range of insects [1, 8, 9]. Bt cotton
plants have been widely adopted by many developed and
developing countries of world such as North and South
mode of action against a wide range of pests. Since last
of Animals: Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) is an important
entry system for foreign molecules in animals.
The epithelial lining of GIT gives specific route to the
foreign DNA and protein fragments that comes from
animal feeds [16]. The foreign DNA-fragments of many
important plant genes were found in blood, muscles
Global Veterinaria, 14 (3): 377-381, 2015
378
tissues and many other internal organs of many buffalo feeding on transgenic cotton seeds carrying
agriculture important animals such as broiler chickens, Cry1Ac gene. Blood urea N and creatinine concentrations
calves, pigs and cattles [17-19]. Two fragments of cry1Ab were also found similar in cows both controlled and
gene such as P35S and cp4epsps, cry1Ab gene were experimental lactating cows groups after feeding on Bt
found in liver, kidney, heart and muscle tissues of cotton seeds for 430 days [32].
goats [20]. Sajjad et al. [21] studied the presence of
cry1AC gene of cotton in digestive system of model Bt Toxins in Animal Excretion: The lethal concentration
animal mice. The mice were fed with normal feed along
with 50% mixture of crushed Bt cotton seeds. The tissue
samples were taken from stomach, intestines, blood, liver,
kidney, heart and brain. The isolated DNA from all the
tested samples was screened through Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) with a set of specific primer of cry1AC
gene and tnos promoter. The targeted gene was found
only in intestinal tissues that affect the inner lining of
intestine. They also reported that the acidic medium of
stomach degrade the foreign Bt DNA fragments.
Effects of Bt Toxin on Lactating Animals:
Several researchers investigated the effects of Bt genes
on nutrient utilization, blood composition and other
performance of dairy lactating animal that feeds on cotton
seeds. For example Mohanata et al. [22] studied that
effect of cry1Ac gene on important nutrient utilization,
blood biochemical composition and other performance of
lactating dairy cows. The tested animals were fed on
both non-transgenic and transgenic cotton seeds for
4 weeks. From the result they revealed that nutrient
uptake, digestion process, milk yield, composition,
body physiology and blood composition were not varied
in control and non-control tested animals. The Bt protein
(Cry1Ac) was not found in both milk and plasma.
They concluded that Bt protein (Cry1Ac) have no
adverse effect on qualitative and quantitative characters
of lactating cows. Similar findings were noted by Singhal
et al. [23] for lactating cows that fed on Bt cotton seeds.
Singhal et al. [23] and Castillo et al. [24] envisaged the
effect of Cry1Ac alone or in combination with Cry2Ab on
lactating cows. The milk saturation content and milk
quality was similar in both control and treated
experimental cows and no adverse morpho-physiological
effects were found. The milk and blood of ruminates,
tissues of pigs and other poultry are free from any Bt gene
after feeding on Bt seeds, as it shows safer food for all
animals [25-29]. Moreira et al. [30] found no toxic effect of
Bt toxins on digestion process of animals. While,
Sullivan et al. [31] noted that low level of digestibility in
lactating cows feeding was similar or having higher level
of Bt cotton seeds. Higher concentration of haemoglobin
and other serum compositions were noted in lactating
of Cry1Ab toxin from animals faeces come to our
environment both directly and indirectly that affect target
and non-target organisms. Certain animals like pigs and
cattle that feed on Bt crops to excrete toxic proteins in
their wastes by effecting targeted and non-targeted
organisms [33]. Foreign DNA fragments of Bt cotton was
also found in the muscles of many types of chickens
[34].
Influence of Bt Cotton on Other Non-target Animals:
Several researchers have studied the effect of Bt cotton
on non-target herbivores. Zhang et al. [35] studied the
effect of Bt cotton on non-target Aphis gossypii that feed
on both Bt and non-Bt cotton. The enzyme-linked
immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was used to screen the
presence of Bt proteins in A. Gossypii. Results showed
that a minute amount (=10 ng/g) of Bt protein was
detected in Bt fed A. Gossypii. So, only small amount of Bt
protein was ingested during feeding on Bt-cotton. Lawo
et al. [36] performed similar type of experiment by
feeding A. gossypii on Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac
protein. 11 out of 12 samples showed the presence of Bt
antigen through ELISA. Liu et al. [37] studied the effect
of Bt and Cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) genes in
combination on Aphis gossypii. From the results they
concluded that Bt gene along with CpTI gene leads lower
survival and reproductive rates in all tested organisms.
But, in second and third generation the aphid population
gain immunity and fitness. Bt toxins effect five major
groups of herbivores species such as Spodoptera
littorals,Apis mellifera, monarch butterfly, spider mites
Rhopalosiphum padi and two important predators
Chrysoperla carnea and coleomegilla maculate [38-40].
The long term application of Bt protein at pollen stage
adversely affect the larvae of monarch butterfly [41].
Many researchers proved that Bt cotton is safe for
other living organisms. Farag Dahi [42] studied the effect
of two Bt genes Cry 1Ac and Cry 2Ab of Egyptian Bt
cotton on non- target organisms i.e. arthropods (aphids,
whiteflies, leafhopper green bugs and spider mites) and
other beneficial arthropods (green lacewing, ladybird
coccinella, rove beetle, Orius bugs and true spider).
No significant differences were found in all tested
Global Veterinaria, 14 (3): 377-381, 2015
379
organisms after feeding on control and Bt cotton. Romeis awareness in people to develop new Bt cotton cultivars
et al. [43] developed a new method of direct application of
Bt toxin to the larva of green lacewing (Chrysoperla
carnea). Their finding showed no toxic effects of Cry1Ab
protein on C. carnea larvae. Genetically engineered
cotton plants have no adverse effects on non-targeted
organisms like coccinellids and spiders [44]. Romeis et al
[45] treated C. Carnea with Cryl Ab toxin at higher
concentration but no adverse effect was observed in all
tested samples.
Effects of Bt Cotton on Human Health: Several antibiotics
are used as marker gene to screen transgenic plants.
Several bacterial species tolerate antibiotics. So, it is a
major concern to people who excessively use antibiotic
for controlling many lethal human diseases but on the
other hand, it is used in plant transformation experiments.
If, these pathogens produce tolerance against antibiotics
so, it will no longer to be used for controlling human
diseases. Similarly, the horizontal transfer of marker genes
or other lethal genes to other pathogens further produce
serious problem to human health and other non-target
organism [46-49]. There are several reports that Bt genes
cause some serious problem to human health. Bhat et al.
[50] studied the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Cry1Ac
toxin from Bt cotton (RCH2) on human lymphocytes.
The MIT test, cytokinesis blocked micronucleus and
erythrolysis tests showed that high dose of Cry1Ac
toxin decreased the cell survival ability up to 47.08% after
72 hour of incubation period. Only 2.52% of micronuclei
were found in test samples. The Cry1Ac toxin also
showed lethal effect on human leukocytes by their
haemolytic action. They concluded that Cry1Ac toxin at
higher concentration have lethal cytotoxic and genotoxic
effects on the human lymphocytes.
CONCLUSION
The evidences clearly reveal that acreage and
popularity of Bt cotton is increasing day by day as it
plays a vital role to provide durable resistance against a
wide range of insect species. Bt cotton has played
important role to sustain agriculture in all over the world
for their maximum yield and other agronomic practices as
well. With the passage of time, several biosaefty and
environmental issues arise with the use of different Bt
genes. Several researchers have reported the toxic effects
of Bt proteins of cotton and other crops on diverse range
of non-target animal species including human being.
Now it is the responsibilities of the scientists to bring
that assure no or very low toxicity on non-target
organisms to minimize risks associated with Bt cotton
technology.
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Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
Cotton, a versatile natural resource, holds a significant place in global socioeconomic dynamics. As the foremost source of natural textile fiber and a substantial contributor to oilseed production, cotton's impact on various sectors is great. Pakistan, a major player in cotton production and consumption, faces challenges in optimizing its yield due to multiple constraints. To enhance production, strategic agronomic interventions are imperative. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan carried out a research study in 2023 to evaluate how sowing date and plant spacing affect different growth and yield characteristics in two cotton varieties, CIM-496 and CIM-499. The different treatments resulted in significant differences in the number of monopodial branches, sympodial branches, plant population, plant height, days until the first flower appeared, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, and seed cotton yield per plant. Sowing in the third week of April typically led to better outcomes in comparison to sowing later in May and June, particularly in terms of branch development, plant population, plant height, and yield characteristics. In the same way, increased plant spacing, especially at 39 cm, appeared to support improved growth and yield characteristics when compared to tighter spacing. CIM-499 displayed slightly superior performance compared to CIM-496 across different treatments. The significance of considering both the timing of sowing and the distance between plants in maximizing cotton growth and yield is illustrated by these results, providing valuable knowledge for implementing crop management techniques to improve productivity and quality. © 2023 The Author(s)
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... Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is widely recognized as a prominent natural fiber and is cultivated in over 111 countries globally (Anonymous, 2005). Serving as a primary cash crop, every component of the cotton plant proves beneficial to farmers in various ways (Shivanna et al., 2009;Ali et al., 2012;Zia et al., 2015). Its semi-woody stem supports a small bush ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 meters in height, with two types of branches: symbodial (fruiting) and monopodial (vegetative). ...
Evaluation of cotton genotypes for host plant resistance to sucking insects and bollworms: A study on leaf morphology and insect population dynamics
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2018
This research study investigates host plant resistance in various cotton varieties against sucking insects and bollworms, focusing on leaf morphology and insect population dynamics. The study was conducted at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan to explore the diverse challenges faced by cotton growers ranging from production and protection issues to marketing hurdles. The research assesses promising cotton strains included in the National Coordinated Varietal Trial 2003-2004 for their resistance or susceptibility to insect pests under unsprayed conditions. Varieties CIM-2, CIM-7, CIM-8, CIM-9, and CIM-22 were evaluated through a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Morphological characteristics such as leaf thickness, hair length, and hair density were measured for providing valuable insights into the physiological features of each variety. Population dynamics of Jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), and Thrips (Thrips tabaci) were documented for each variety revealing variations in susceptibility. Additionally, a comprehensive field survey conducted in Multan on July 27, 2004, offered a snapshot of cotton insect pests and crop development status in different areas. Farmers' practices and the prevalence of the Cotton Leaf Curl Virus were documented in pest management strategies. Varietal impact on cotton insect pests and crop parameters were analyzed and highlighted notable variations among varieties. Economic threshold levels for whiteflies, jassids, thrips, and bollworms were established. The findings emphasized the resistance conferred by specific morphological traits. For instance, CIM-2's hair density, length, and leaf thickness contributed to resistance against pests. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of host plant resistance in cotton varieties offering practical insights for growers and researchers to optimize crop management strategies. The findings contribute valuable information to address the complex challenges faced by cotton growers and enhance sustainable cotton production practices. © 2018 The Author(s)
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... Contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, cotton accounts for 68% of the total in Pakistan (Government of Pakistan, 2009). This versatile crop yields a soft and durable fiber found within cotton bolls, enveloping the cotton seeds (Zia et al., 2015). The composition of cotton fiber primarily comprises pure cellulose, along with traces of waxes, lipids, pectin, and water. ...
Varietal performance against sucking insect pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under Multan ecological conditions
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2018
The ten cotton varieties were screened for resistance against whitefly, jassid and thrips at the experimental farm of Cotton Research Institute (CRI), Multan. Among the selected genotypes, SLH-284 exhibited relative resistance to whitefly, while VH-156 showed low susceptibility to thrips (0.7/Leaf). Notably, SLH-284 displayed greater resistance to whitefly attack. In August, a high jassid population (5.6/Leaf) was observed. Cotton genotypes BH-167, FH-113, and VH-148 were found to be susceptible to high infestations of insect pests, resulting in reduced cotton yield. In addition, jassid indicated peak population during August. The result indicated that VH-156 showed the resistance against thrips. From this experiment, it was observed that low infestation of whitefly and thrips occurred on SLH-284 and VH-156 cultivars. So, the overall results showed that VH-156 and SLH-284 can be used in IPM program. The study aimed to explore the impact of varied spacing and abiotic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on the population dynamics of sucking insect pests (specifically Bemisia tabaci, Thrips tabaci, and Amrasca devastans) within unsprayed conditions. A simple correlation analysis was employed to discern the relationships between these variables. The results of the analysis revealed that rainfall and temperature had a significant and positive impact on jassid populations, whereas relative humidity showed a non-significant effect. Similarly, temperature exerted a positive influence on both thrips and whitefly populations, while relative humidity and rainfall did not exhibit a significant impact on thrips. For whitefly, a significant and positive correlation was observed with relative humidity, but rainfall did not show a significant impact. To further quantify the relationships, Multivariate Regression Analysis computed the coefficient of determination (R2). The results indicated that temperature, humidity, and rainfall collectively influenced 53 %, 36.8 %, and 66.4 % of the population fluctuation of jassid, thrips, and whitefly, respectively. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of abiotic factors in shaping the dynamics of sucking insect pests, providing valuable insights into the environmental determinants of their populations under unsprayed conditions. © 2018 The Author(s)
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... It stands as a primary source of raw material for the textile sector, which is the largest agro-based industry (Zia et al., 2018a, b;Shoukat et al., 2020;Shaukat et al., 2021). Pakistan holds a prominent position in the global cotton industry, ranking as the 4 th largest producer, consumer, and exporter of yarn, and the 3 rd largest exporter of raw cotton (Zia et al., 2015). The significance of cotton in Pakistan extends beyond production and export figures. ...
Effect of seed priming and seed dressing on germination and growth of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2021
This research is conducted to examine the impacts of several seed treatments such as scaling of seed on early growth and other developmental parameters of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop. The vigorous seeds of cotton genotype “GH-Uhad” were sown in different growth media including loamy soil, brick red soil, ash, press mud, bio-fertilizer and in control zone after treatment with amino acids, potash, sugar, moringa leaf extract, and water. Results showed that only 2.5 days were taken to exhibit the shortest mean emergence time with ash and bio-fertilizer treatment and the longest time with 5.2-5.23 days were required with loam and press mud. For growth parameters, the tallest cotton plants (47 cm) were measured with highest fresh shoot (43.5 g) and fresh root (4.3 g) weight with loam and PGR (plant growth regulator) Treatment in comparison of press mud treatment with shortest plant height (33.5 cm), lowest weight of fresh shoot (14.4 g) and fresh root (1.5 g). In case of dry root weight, loam and PGR treatments displayed the highest weight (1.34 g), while the press mud had the lowest (0.39 g). In addition, the longest root length (21 cm) was recorded with the treatments of loam and PGR however the brick red Treatment had the shortest root length (11.75 cm). Overall, the results demonstrate that seed dressing with bio-fertilizers, especially in loam soil, can significantly enhance cotton germination and early growth, suggesting its potential for improving cotton crop performance in arid regions. © 2021 The Author(s)
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... Cotton is the world"s most important fiber crop and is commonly known as silver fiber (Ali et al., 2012;Zia et al., 2015;Munir et al., 2018). The upland cotton (G. ...
Line × tester analysis for yield and its attributed traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2023
Cotton production in our country is declining due to produced cultivars that are not well-adapted to changing environmental conditions. New high-yielding, climate-resilient cotton genotypes are needed to enhance our economy. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of gene action, combining ability and heterosis on seed cotton yield and its associated traits. Five lines and three testers of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were used to produce fifteen F1 hybrids using a line × tester mating design. The research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad in the Kharif season of 2020–21. The mean squares of all the traits were found significant. The results showed that among the female lines; FH-414 performed best for plant height, days to 50% flowering, boll weight, fiber strength, and fiber length while FH-490 was found best for seed cotton yield and GOT%. Testers concluded that EYE-111 was an excellent general combiner in terms of plant height, monopodial branches, days to maturity, bolls per plant, days to 50% flowering, seed cotton yield, and fiber quality. The cross combinations i.e., FH-492 × CIM-602 for plant height, FH-414 × CIM-602 for fiber fineness and fiber length, and FH-492 × NIAB-SANAB-M for seed cotton yield showed good SCA effects. FH-414 × CIM-602 and FH-415 × EYE-111 depicted maximum heterosis for fiber traits and seed cotton yield, respectively. FH-ANMOL × EYE-111 had shown maximum heterosis for sympodial branches and days to 50% flowering, FH-414 × CIM-602 for GOT% and fiber fineness. all the characters were regulated by non-additive kind of gene action. The above-mentioned genotypes having GCA and SCA effects could be further exploited for hybrid/variety development programs to cope with unexpected climatic conditions. Rafique, M. S. (2023). Line × tester analysis for yield and its attributed traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).
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... About 65% people of Pakistan (about half of the employed labor force) are linked to agriculture and relevant business directly or indirectly (Statistics, 2023). Among the major crops of Pakistan, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) contributes 5.2% in agriculture value addition, 10% to national GDP and is an important raw material source for the textile industry (Ali et al., 2012;Zia et al., 2015;GOP, 2017;Zia et al., 2018;Shoukat et al., 2020;Shah et al., 2021;Zia et al., 2022) . Production of cotton crop in Pakistan is decreasing day by day due to numeral factors (Muhammad & Anjum, 2010;Makwana et al., 2018;Arif et al., 2022;Abbas et al., 2022;Khan et al., 2023) including environmental factors (Chaudhry et al., 2021), water related constraints (low availability of canal irrigation water at the time of sowing and critical stages of crop growth) (Mikosch et al., 2020), agronomic factors (expensive fertilizer, reduced knowledge of south Punjab farmers for enhancing cotton production and combating insect pests damage) (Anwar et al., 2009) and socio-economic factors (poor land holding capacity of Pakistani farmers about 2.5 acre per farmer) (Anwar et al., 2009). ...
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... From Genetically modified Bt cotton is cultivated in many the stock solution samples were diluted to working cotton growing areas of the world for controlling targeted concentration of 50ng/ìl. The confirmation of Cry1Ac (Bt) insect pests complex [21], but it is observed that it acts gene was done by event specific primers for Mon-531 variably in toxin efficiency against target insects under event as shown inTable 1. Primers of housekeeping different testing conditions. Cotton belt of Pakistan is in genes for EF-1-alpha (Elongation factor 1-alpha) and a zone of high temperature (tropical zone) and the summer Sad1 (stearoyl-ACP desaturase) were also synthesized temperature approaches upto 50°C in some areas and and used in reaction to confirm the validity of working results in heat stress. ...
Effect of Temperature on Bt Gene Expression in Candidate Cotton Lines of Pakistan
Research
  • Mar 2016
Cry1Ac expression under temperature stress in candidate cotton lines of Pakistan
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Determination of the persistence frequency of different components of the cry1Ac transgene cassette in mammalian tissues
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2013
The safety of the transgenic feeds for the mammals is a long standing issue which casts a shadow over their acceptance by the farming community in large. The present study was designed to foresee the fate of the components of the transgene cassette (MON531 event) in mammalian digestive system. The objective includes adopting an in vivo approach to study the possible partial degradation of the consumed transgene in mice. The mice were fed upon a feed mix containing 50% transgenic flour from crushed Bt cotton seeds. Mice were slaughtered periodically to draw tissue samples of stomach, intestine, blood, liver, kidney, heart and brain. The purified DNA when subjected to PCR under primers for different nucleotide sequences of the transgene cassette revealed the presence of cry1Ac gene sequence and tnos in intestinal tissues only. However there was no evidence of absorption through the epithelial linining into blood nor other body organs. This study reveals the possible partial degradation of the transgenic nucleotides in the acidic fluid of mammalian stomach.
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Effect of Feeding DAS-59122-7 Corn Grain and Nontransgenic Corn Grain to Individually Fed Finishing Steers
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2008
An experiment was conducted to evaluate feeding transgenic corn containing the cry34Ab1 and cry35Ab1 genes from a Bacillus thuringiensis strain and the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (pat) gene from Streptomyces viridochromogenes to finishing cattle compared with nontransgenic corn. Expression of the cry34Ab1 and cry35Ab1 genes confers resistance to corn rootworms, and the pat gene confers tolerance to herbicides containing glufosinate-ammonium. Sixty crossbred steers (396 kg) were individually fed either transgenic corn (DAS-59122-7; 59122), a near-isogenic, nontransgenic control (Control), and a conventional, nontransgenic corn for 109 d to evaluate nutritional equivalency (20 steers/treatment). The corn was coarsely rolled (geometric mean diameter = 4,200 μm) and treatments were offered in the finishing diet at 82% of diet DM. Gain (P = 0.38) and G:F (P = 0.80) were similar between 59122 and Control with a tendency for a difference in DMI (P = 0.08). When adjusted using the statistical analysis of false discovery rate, DMI, ADG, and G:F were not different between Control and 59122 (P > 0.33). No differences were observed between Control and 59122 for HCW, marbling score, LM area, fat depth, or calculated USDA YG (P > 0.12). The genetically modified corn DAS-59122-7 was nutritionally equivalent to a near-isogenic control when fed to finishing steers. Feeding corn grain containing these transgenic traits did not influence steer performance or carcass quality.
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Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Pollen- and Seed-Mediated Gene Flow from Genetically Engineered Plum Prunus domestica
Article
Full-text available
Pollen flow from a 0.46 ha plot of genetically engineered (GE) Prunus domestica located in West Virginia, USA was evaluated from 2000-2010. Sentinel plum trees were planted at distances ranging from 132 to 854 m from the center of the GE orchard. Plots of mixed plum varieties and seedlings were located at 384, 484 and 998 m from the GE plot. Bee hives (Apis mellifera) were dispersed between the GE plum plot and the pollen flow monitoring sites. Pollen-mediated gene flow from out of the GE plum plot to non-GE plums under the study conditions was low, only occurring at all in 4 of 11 years and then in only 0.31% of the 12,116 seeds analyzed. When it occurred, gene flow, calculated as the number of GUS positive embryos/total embryos sampled, ranged from 0.215% at 132 m from the center of the GE plum plot (28 m from the nearest GE plum tree) to 0.033-0.017% at longer distances (384-998 m). Based on the percentage of GUS positive seeds per individual sampled tree the range was 0.4% to 12%. Within the GE field plot, gene flow ranged from 4.9 to 39%. Gene flow was related to distance and environmental conditions. A single year sample from a sentinel plot 132 m from the center of the GE plot accounted for 65% of the total 11-year gene flow. Spatial modeling indicated that gene flow dramatically decreased at distances over 400 m from the GE plot. Air temperature and rainfall were, respectively, positively and negatively correlated with gene flow, reflecting the effects of weather conditions on insect pollinator activity. Seed-mediated gene flow was not detected. These results support the feasibility of coexistence of GE and non-GE plum orchards.
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Effect of genetically modified feeds on fattening results and transfer of transgenic DNA to swine tissues
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2011
  • B VET I PULAWY
The research was conducted to estimate the effect of feeding pigs with genetically modified soybean meal and maize on fattening results and fate of transgenic DNA in pig tissues. Forty-eight fatteners weighing about 30-110 kg were used. All fatteners received isonitrogenous and isoenergetic feed mixtures containing, or not the genetically modified (GM) soybean meal and maize. The animals were divided into four groups: I – control (soybean meal traditional and maize traditional), II – soybean meal GM and maize traditional, III -soybean meal traditional and maize GM, IV -soybean meal GM and maize GM. The experimental diets met the nutritional requirements of growing and finishing pigs. The results showed the similar nutritive value of both feeds: GM and conventional, as well as no effect of GM components on body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and carcass and meat quality. The transgenic DNA was detectable in the content of the stomach and duodenum but not in the intestinal digesta, blood and other examined organs. Histopathological analysis of internal organs and muscles did not show any differences between experimental groups.
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Investigations on genetically modified maize (Bt-maize) in pig nutrition: Fate of feed-ingested foreign DNA in pig bodies
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2003
The passage and fate of ingested DNA in 48 pigs fed with diets containing (n=12) parental or (n=36) transgenic (Bt) maize were examined. Pigs were fattened from an initial live weight of 24 kg to approximately 108 kg. Animals fed transgenic maize were slaughtered in groups (n=6) 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after feeding the last maize-containing diet. Those slaughtered at up to 12 h received no further feed, while those held for longer prior to slaughter received a diet in which maize was replaced by barley and wheat. Control animals were slaughtered at 4 and 8 h. DNA extracted from tissues and gut contents was examined by PCR for the presence of plant DNA and for any transgenic material. Recombinant DNA was detectable in the intestinal contents up to 48 h after the last feeding of a diet containing the transgenic maize. PCR amplification of plant gene spacers produced fragments of different sizes, dependent on feed source. The feed source of rectum samples depended on individual passage rate in the groups and their restriction analysis showed grain species-specific patterns. Recombinant or maize-specific DNA was not detectable in tissue samples of pigs. In contrast, plant DNA fragments were detectable in the investigated pig tissues.
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Effect of feeding transgenic cottonseed (Bt-cry1Ac gene) on nutrient utilization, production performance and blood biochemical status in lactating dairy cows
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2010
The study was made to compare the effect of transgenic (Bt, Cry1Ac) linted whole cottonseed (WCS) on nutrient intake and utilization, milk production and biosafety with that of isogenic (on Bt) WCS. Lactating multiparous cows (16) adapted to non Bt cottonseed based concentrate mixture (40%) were divided randomly in 2 groups of 8 each. Non-Bt group (control) continued on same ration while in Bt group, non-Bt WCS in concentrate mixture was replaced with Bt WCS in a feeding trial of 4 weeks. BW gain, nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, body condition score, and blood parameters did not vary significantly between the groups. Non detection of Bt protein (Cry1Ac) in milk or blood plasma indicated the degradation of the protein in the gastrointestinal tract of cows. It was concluded that Bt (Cry1Ac) cottonseed is as safe and nutritious as conventional cottonseed, when fed to lactating crossbred cows for 4 weeks.
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Pollen Competition as a Reproductive Isolation Barrier Represses Transgene Flow between Compatible and Co-Flowering Citrus Genotypes
Article
Full-text available
Despite potential benefits granted by genetically modified (GM) fruit trees, their release and commercialization raises concerns about their potential environmental impact, and the transfer via pollen of transgenes to cross-compatible cultivars is deemed to be the greatest source for environmental exposure. Information compiled from field trials on GM trees is essential to propose measures to minimize the transgene dispersal. We have conducted a field trial of seven consecutive years to investigate the maximum frequency of pollen-mediated crop-to-crop transgene flow in a citrus orchard, and its relation to the genetic, phenological and environmental factors involved. Three different citrus genotypes carrying the uidA (GUS) tracer marker gene (pollen donors) and a non-GM self-incompatible contiguous citrus genotype (recipient) were used in conditions allowing natural entomophilous pollination to occur. The examination of 603 to 2990 seeds per year showed unexpectedly low frequencies (0.17-2.86%) of transgene flow. Paternity analyses of the progeny of subsets of recipient plants using 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci demonstrated a higher mating competence of trees from another non-GM pollen source population that greatly limited the mating chance of the contiguous cross-compatible and flowering-synchronized transgenic pollen source. This mating superiority could be explained by a much higher pollen competition capacity of the non-GM genotypes, as was confirmed through mixed-hand pollinations. Pollen competition strongly contributed to transgene confinement. Based on this finding, suitable isolation measures are proposed for the first time to prevent transgene outflow between contiguous plantings of citrus types that may be extendible to other entomophilous transgenic fruit tree species.
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Evaluation of Bt cottonseed as a protein supplement in the ration of lactating dairy cows
Article
  • Jul 2006
Crossbred (Karan Swiss and Karan Fries) multiparous cows (20), housed in a well ventilated shed, were fed berseem (green fodder) ad lib. wheat straw (1 kg/cow/day) and a concentrate mixture consisting of crushed cottonseed 40 parts according to their nutritional requirements for 13 days to adapt them to the cottonseed based diet. Average daily milk yield in these groups was 7.75 kg during the adaptation period. Thereafter, cows were divided in 2 groups of 10 each on the basis of their stage of lactation and milk yield. Group 1 (non-Bt) was continued on the same ration while in the concentrate mixture of group 2 cottonseed was replaced with transgenic cottonseed and designated as Bt group. Milk yield and voluntary feed intake were recorded daily for 4 weeks. The amount of Bt protein in Bt cottonseed was 52 μg/g cottonseed. Voluntary DM intake/100 kg body weight varied in the Bt group and non-Bt group, and cows maintained their body weight during the study. Average milk yield and milk composition including fat, protein, lactose, SCC and fatty acid composition of milk fat did not vary between groups. DM intake/100 kg body weight, nutrient digestibility and plane of nutrition in both the groups did not vary significantly between the groups. Milk and blood plasma samples did not exhibit the presence of Bt protein in both the groups at any stage of sampling in lactating cows. Lactating dairy cows performed in a similar fashion when fed Bt and non-Bt cottonseed during the experiment.
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Horizontal Transfer of DNA From GM Crops to Bacteria and to Mammalian Cells
Article
The evidence for horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified (GM) crops to bacteria and mam- malian cells is reviewed. The conclusion is that while horizontal gene transfer can and has occurred, such events are rare. However, even rare events may have an ecological impact, and thus the genes encoded by DNA introduced into a GM plant should be the focus of biosafety considerations. In the case of antibiotic resistance markers, the chances of increasing the fitness of any bacteria acquiring the genes from a GM plant is remote. There is also no known risk associated with the remote possibility that mammalian cells could be transformed with these genes and express the proteins.
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