Qualitative Screening of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab Genes in Nigerian Cotton Genotypes Prior to Commercial Release
Keywords:
Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab, ELISA, Nigeria, cotton germplasm, biosafety monitoring, biosafety regulation, transgene introgressionAbstract
A study was conducted during the 2016 dry season at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria to screen fifty-one (51) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes for the presence of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes. These Bt-derived genes encode insecticidal proteins that provide resistance against bollworms, major pests of cotton. Two qualitative detection methods were employed: Bt lateral flow strips for Cry1Ac and ELISA for Cry2Ab. The genetic materials tested included multi-adversity lines, northern zone lines, eastern zone lines, commercial varieties, and Sabuwa lines. Of the 51 genotypes screened, only two Sabuwa lines tested positive for both Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, while all others were negative. Limited to qualitative detection, the study nonetheless provides the first baseline evidence of Bt gene presence in Nigerian cotton germplasm prior to the 2018 official approval of Bt cotton. These findings underscore important biosafety and regulatory concerns, highlighting the need for systematic monitoring, enhanced seed certification, and regional harmonization to safeguard varietal integrity and compliance with international biosafety standards.
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