Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 52-60 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 56 while immunoblotting and ELISA assays confirmed the production of the Cry1Ac protein (Weng et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2017; Dessoky et al., 2020). Field trials demonstrated that the transgenic sugarcane lines exhibited high levels of resistance to the stem borer. In bioassays, larvae fed on transgenic sugarcane showed significantly higher mortality rates compared to those fed on non-transgenic controls. For instance, one study reported up to 100% mortality of Chilo infuscatellus larvae when fed on 80-day-old transgenic plants. Additionally, the transgenic lines maintained their resistance over multiple generations, indicating stable gene expression (Weng et al., 2006; Qamar et al., 2021). 5.3 Lessons learned and future directions The case study of cry1Ac transgenic sugarcane provides several valuable lessons for future genetic engineering initiatives. Firstly, the importance of optimizing gene sequences for the target plant species was highlighted, as this can significantly enhance gene expression and the effectiveness of the transgene. Secondly, the use of multiple transformation techniques and rigorous molecular and field testing are crucial for ensuring the stability and efficacy of the transgenic lines (Weng et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2017; Dessoky et al., 2020). However, the study also revealed some challenges. For instance, some transgenic lines exhibited poor agronomic traits, such as reduced plant height and biomass, which could impact their commercial viability. This underscores the need for a balanced approach that not only focuses on pest resistance but also considers overall plant health and productivity. Future directions for research could include the development of transgenic lines with stacked traits, combining insect resistance with other desirable characteristics such as herbicide tolerance or drought resistance (Qamar et al., 2021). Additionally, exploring the synergistic effects of combining cry1Ac with other insect resistance genes or stress-related genes could further enhance the durability and effectiveness of the resistance (Zhou et al., 2018). In conclusion, the genetic engineering of sugarcane for insect resistance using the cry1Ac gene has shown promising results, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides and contributing to improved sugarcane yields. Continued research and development in this area hold the potential to further enhance the resilience and productivity of this vital crop. 6 Environmental and Ecological Implications 6.1 Impact on non-target species and biodiversity The introduction of Genetically Engineered (GE) sugarcane for pest resistance has raised concerns about its potential impact on non-target species and overall biodiversity. The overexpression of cry proteins, Vegetative Insecticidal Proteins (VIP), lectins, and proteinase inhibitors (PI) in transgenic sugarcane has been shown to effectively control target pests such as cane borers (Iqbal et al., 2021; Qamar et al., 2021). However, these proteins can also affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and other wildlife. For instance, the widespread use of Bt crops has been associated with reduced populations of non-target insects, which can disrupt local ecosystems and food webs. Additionally, the potential for gene flow from GE sugarcane to wild relatives or other crops could lead to unintended ecological consequences, such as the development of new pest-resistant weed species (Budeguer et al., 2021). 6.2 Potential risks and safety assessments The deployment of GE sugarcane necessitates thorough risk assessments to ensure environmental and human safety. Studies have demonstrated that transgenic sugarcane expressing Cry1Ab and EPSPS proteins exhibit strong resistance to pests and herbicides, respectively. However, these modifications can also pose risks, such as the development of resistance in target pest populations and unintended effects on non-target organisms. Safety assessments must include comprehensive evaluations of the potential for allergenicity, toxicity, and environmental persistence of the introduced genes and their products (Wang et al., 2017; Verma et al., 2022). Additionally, long-term field studies are essential to monitor the ecological impacts and effectiveness of GE sugarcane in diverse agricultural settings (Qamar et al., 2021).
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