Objective:
To study at a molecular level mechanisms of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in Lepidoptera.

Approach:
Bt resistant insects (Spodoptera frugiperda and Heliothis virescens, and other Lepidoptera as needed) will be selected by exposure of sequential generations of larvae to purified toxin. Mid-gut from insects will be used to isolate total RNA and RT-PCR will be utilized to survey for potential molecular markers of resistance. Comparative studies will be conducted using non-resistant and resistant insects with focus on the production of anti-toxin molecules.