Experts to Level-Up Insecticide Resistance of Crops with iJAZ

Researchers at the Institute of Cotton Research (ICR) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences developed a new plant-derived insecticidal protein called iJAZ, which has now moved from laboratory to practical application.

iJAZ is a naturally occurring protein in cotton, pumpkin, durian, and other plants. It exhibits broad-spectrum insecticidal activity against specific pests and works differently from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal protein. iJAZ remains in stealth mode under normal conditions.  When the targeted pests feed on the plant and cause damage, iJAZ recognizes and precisely binds to the unique receptors in the pests' guts, thereby activating its efficient insecticidal effect.

Studies have shown that iJAZ has a resistance rate of 99.33 percent against cotton bollworm larvae. It is also small, just about one-tenth the size of the Bt protein. Moreover, it can be used in combination with the Bt protein. Furthermore, ICR researchers also developed a new system with iJAZ that slashes the time needed to create insect-resistant crops from over half a year to just two months. This breakthrough works on any plant variety, allowing scientists to quickly equip high-quality commercial seeds with "built-in armor" against pests.

ICR signed a partnership agreement with Guangxi Tianyuan Biochemistry Co., Ltd. to develop insect resistance of major crops, including cotton, soybean, eucalyptus, and sugarcane, using iJAZ.

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