Molecular characterization and efficacy evaluation of a transgenic corn event for insect resistance and glyphosate tolerance.

A transgenic maize event ZD12-6 expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) fusion protein Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj and a modified 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) protein G10 was characterized and evaluated. Southern blot analysis indicated that ZD12-6 is a single copy integration event. The insert site was determined to be at chromosome 1 by border sequence analysis. Expression analyses of Bt fusion protein Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj and the EPSPS protein G10 suggested that they are both expressed stably in different generations. Insect bioassays demonstrated that the transgenic plants are highly resistant to Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis), cotton boll worm (Helicoverpa armigera), and armyworm (Mythimna separata). This study suggested that ZD12-6 has the potential to be developed into a commercial transgenic line.