Characterization of the Spectrum of Activity of IPD079Ea: A Protein Derived From Ophioglossum pendulum (Ophioglossales: Ophioglossaceae) With Activity Against Western Corn Rootworm [Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)]

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is a major pest of corn in both North America and Europe and as such presents significant challenges for farmers. IPD079Ea protein is encoded by the ipd079Ea gene from Ophioglossum pendulum (a species of fern) and was found to have activity against western corn rootworm in multiple corn events transformed to express the IPD079Ea protein. In chronic laboratory hazard studies, IPD079Ea protein was fed to eleven species in the order Coleoptera and four species in the order Lepidoptera to assess the spectrum of activity. Activity was observed on certain species of the Chrysomelidae and Coccinellidae families, with western corn rootworm as the most sensitive insect tested. No adverse effects on mortality or other sublethal endpoints were observed on any species within Lepidoptera. Overall, IPD079Ea protein appears not to have broad insecticidal properties and has potential value as an effective trait to control western corn rootworm in agricultural systems.