Agricultural pest insect control: combining genetics, resistance management and dynamics
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Life Sciences
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
This is a cross-disciplinary collaborative LINK project, with commercial partner Oxitec Ltd, with the objective of optimizing a biotechnological solution for the management of insect resistance to bio-pesticides. We will combine genetic technological developments with mathematical models, laboratory and field experiments to develop an integrated research approach for novel methods of insect pest management.
Oxitec pioneered the development of RIDL - Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal genetic system - a novel approach to insect pest management based on the sterile insect technique.
Oxitec has recently developed transgenic RIDL DBM strains with female-specific lethality. Theoretical modelling has predicted that RIDL releases can mitigate resistance by reducing pest population size and driving pesticide-susceptible genes into a population through the male line.
Our project aims to build on these recent advances. We will test this novel theory using experimental evolution and competition assays to simulate existing resistance management strategies (work packages 1 and 2). We will extend testing to scenarios that are predicted to increase the impact of RIDL releases on resistance management. These scenarios will be increased spatial structure and exposure to multiple toxins. In work package 3 the fitness and field-suitability of new RIDL DBM strains will be investigated through fitness and mating competition assays. Performance of these strains will carefully evaluated in an experimental series that culminates in the field. This will be thoroughly supported by a range of novel mathematical models that will provide a detailed understanding of the evolution of resistance to Bt and its toxins in diverse and heterogeneous agro-ecosytems and also of the cost-effectiveness of genetic control methods for agricultural pests such as DBM (work package 4).
Oxitec pioneered the development of RIDL - Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal genetic system - a novel approach to insect pest management based on the sterile insect technique.
Oxitec has recently developed transgenic RIDL DBM strains with female-specific lethality. Theoretical modelling has predicted that RIDL releases can mitigate resistance by reducing pest population size and driving pesticide-susceptible genes into a population through the male line.
Our project aims to build on these recent advances. We will test this novel theory using experimental evolution and competition assays to simulate existing resistance management strategies (work packages 1 and 2). We will extend testing to scenarios that are predicted to increase the impact of RIDL releases on resistance management. These scenarios will be increased spatial structure and exposure to multiple toxins. In work package 3 the fitness and field-suitability of new RIDL DBM strains will be investigated through fitness and mating competition assays. Performance of these strains will carefully evaluated in an experimental series that culminates in the field. This will be thoroughly supported by a range of novel mathematical models that will provide a detailed understanding of the evolution of resistance to Bt and its toxins in diverse and heterogeneous agro-ecosytems and also of the cost-effectiveness of genetic control methods for agricultural pests such as DBM (work package 4).
Planned Impact
see lead document
People |
ORCID iD |
| Benjamin Raymond (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Méric G
(2018)
Lineage-specific plasmid acquisition and the evolution of specialized pathogens in Bacillus thuringiensis and the Bacillus cereus group.
in Molecular ecology
Raymond B
(2017)
In defense of Bacillus thuringiensis, the safest and most successful microbial insecticide available to humanity - a response to EFSA.
in FEMS microbiology ecology
Raymond B
(2018)
An appeal for a more evidence based approach to biopesticide safety in the EU.
in FEMS microbiology ecology
Somerville J
(2019)
Aseptic Rearing and Infection with Gut Bacteria Improve the Fitness of Transgenic Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella.
in Insects
Zhou L
(2019)
The application of self-limiting transgenic insects in managing resistance in experimental metapopulations.
in The Journal of applied ecology
Zhou L
(2018)
Combining the high-dose/refuge strategy and self-limiting transgenic insects in resistance management-A test in experimental mesocosms.
in Evolutionary applications
| Description | The aim of the experimental part of this proposal was to demonstrate, in contained mesocosms, that the release of genetically modified sinsects for biocontrol can also have benefits for the evolution of resistance to pesticides. This is because some female specific GM technologies involve releasing large numbers of males - which mate with wild insects and kill all female descendents. The males however can survive and reproduce, and if release in sufficient numbers can flood local populations with their genes, including those that convey susceptibility to pesticides. Thus far we have explored the conditions under which this holds true for insects which are evolving resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins in conditions which simulate the use of GM crops in the field. The first substantive paper has now been published (in addition to other collaborative publications) while a second will be submitted shortly. We have now addressed all the objectives of our original proposal, although results in-project meant that we revised the plans for the final objective and focussed more on the importance of structure in insect populations rather than on the combined use of multilple toxin agents. |
| Exploitation Route | These findings may be valuable in promoting more diverse uses of GM insects in pest management. Since these self-limiting technologies are available for mosquito vectors of disease these data could have wider relevance for the use of biotechnology in the sustainable control of vector management. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Environment,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Helped ADAS draft "Crop Action" document on control of diamondback moth during the 2016 outbreak: issue 29 |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
| Impact | We anticipate that advice on the largest influx of a key Brassica pest for 40 years would have had some impact on farmer's ability to control this pest over that season, although these would be very hard to quantify |
| Description | Co-developing risk assessment across disciplines and borders: gene drive mosquito field trials in Uganda |
| Amount | £49,585 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The British Academy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2019 |
| End | 07/2020 |
| Description | INSECT DOCTORS Horizon 2020 ITN award |
| Amount | € 4,200,000 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 859850 |
| Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Global |
| Start | 10/2019 |
| End | 07/2023 |
| Description | Inclusive and international risk assessment: Building a framework for gene drive organisms through collaboration |
| Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The British Academy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 02/2023 |
| Description | Demography and the evolution of resistance |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are in the process of developing models and proposals to continue this avenue of research and incorporate research theoretical work on population growth and resistance. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The collaboration is at at early stage- we are developing outline proposals. |
| Impact | n/a |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Industrial Partnership - (as part of BBSRC IPA award) |
| Organisation | Dow AgroSiences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | My team will be engaged in producing mutants with increased virulence to resistant insect pests, as well as screening strain collections and toxin libraries for novel or improved isolates and proteins. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner will be providing access to a sequenced strain collection as welll as to additional sequencing / molecular characaterization services. |
| Impact | not yet....project began end of Feb 2019 |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Microbial ecology and insect fitness |
| Organisation | Oxitec Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We have produced preliminary data indicating that intestinal microbiota make a significant contribution to insect fitness, especially the ability to compete for mates. This could have significant implications for the Oxitec's technology and plans to release insects for pest population reduction. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner Oxitec provided GM insects and made suggestions for protocols/ rearing methods. |
| Impact | At the moment we are considering options for how to follow up on these data- this may mean applying for additional grant/studentship funding. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Product testing of Bacillus thuringiensis |
| Organisation | Andermatt Biocontrol UK |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Comparing efficacy of Bt products; testing efficacy against insect populations that are resistant to chemical insecticides; production of report & figures |
| Collaborator Contribution | supply strains |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Wuhan plasmid project |
| Organisation | Huazhong Agricultural University |
| Department | State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Shaped research questions, wrote paper, shaped and informed analysis |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collected genomic data, analysed data, co-wrote paper |
| Impact | This has resulted in a publication in mBio (Zheng et al)- and is a collaboration between molecular biologists and myself as an evolutionary ecologists. Other projects related to this collaboration are still ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Biological control workshop in Brazil |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Neil Crickmore and I were invited to run a small workshop, funded by FAPESP, at the University of Jaboticabal in Brazil. We gave a series of talks over 2 days on biological, Bacillus thuringiensis, and the evolution of resistance. It was primarily attended by postgraduate students and local academics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | IBMA Copa-Cogeca workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Safety and regulation of Bt based biopesticides were discussed with stakeholders and presented to representatives of EU commission |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.ibma-global.org/en/news/ibma-and-copa-cogeca-workshop-to-explore-the-implications-of-baci... |
| Description | IBMA industry conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This is the international biocontrol manufacturers annual meeting and very much an industry meeting rather than an academic conference. I was invited to give a talk on the safety on micro-organisms in biocontrol |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.abim.ch |
| Description | Invited talk at Siconbiol biological control conference in Brazil |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Gave invited talk at Biological control meeting near Rio and again in Sao Paolo State in 2017 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2017 |
| Description | Open days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The Penryn campus runs a series of open days throughtout the year designed to engage with prospective students and their families. This gives us a venue in which to talk about our research generally and that of the campus. In an event last summer, for instance, I discussed the recent invasion of diamond back moth and met with a local cabbage farmer and talked about pest control issues associated with this species. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
| Description | Public consultation on re-licensing of B.t aizawai |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I took part in the formal consultation on the relicensing of a microbial pesticide. I commented on risk assessments and provided expert advice on biosafety |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/consultations/call/190322 |
| Description | Radio interviews relating to diamondback moth outbreak |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We put out a press release relating to the 2016 diamonndback moth outbreak and since Cornwall is a Brassica growing region and this is a Brassica pest I also directly contacted local radio stations. This lead to a series of radio interviews on BBC Local Radio (Laurence Reed Show); Heart FM and was picked by the Mark Forrester show - a pick of local radio program broadcast nationally. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Science of Christmas |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This is a children focussed event designed to build enthusiasm in a young / very young audience for science in general. The event is a series of Christmas themed talks- my contributution discussed gift giving in animals and bacteria and introduced the idea of unwanted presents and also touched on current antiobiotic resistance themes. As well as the regional audience parts of this show received some national media interest. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Silwood Bugs Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | 100-200 members of the public attended a Silwood Park open day focussed on entomological research at Imperial. As well as academic staff local research organizations, charities and conservation organizations had stands. The local MP and councillors also attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Visit and planning meeting with biopesticide producers |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Attended meeting at eNema HQ in Kiel, Germany. eNema are one of the largest producers of biopesticides in the EU. We discussed my recent results with nematodes and Bacillus and agreed to collaborate on a BBSRC proposal investigating nematode improvement for corn rootworm pests. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Visit to Chinese Academy of Science Institute for Plant Protection |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | My post doc and I were invited to visit Bejing to give talks, share ideas and develop future collaborative interests. Future projects are currently under discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Workshop meeting with CABI |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | 5-6 members of staff from Silwood Park attended a workshop run by CABI, a leading international biological control organization based in Egham. The purpose of the meeting was to explore future avenues for collaboration between academia and the needs of this sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |