The corn rootworm (CRW; Diabrotica spp.) is one of the most serious pests of corn in the USA. Chemical insecticides and crop rotation have been the only two options available to growers for managing CRW. Unfortunately, both of these tactics can be ineffective as a result of either resistance or behavioral modifications. In this paper, we describe transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids that control CRW. These hybrids were created with a Cry3Bb1 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) variant that is approximately eight times more lethal to corn rootworm larvae than the wild‐type protein. A DNA vector containing the modified cry3Bb1 gene was placed under control of a root‐enhanced promoter (4‐AS1) and was introduced into embryonic maize cells by microprojectile bombardment. Described here is the molecular genetic characterization, protein expression levels, and field performance of the recently commercialized MON863 hybrids.

14CO2 was fed to single leaves and to whole plants of B. napus at different stages of plant development. 14C activity was assayed at various intervals after labeling. The experiments showed that younger leaves of the rapeseed plant are supported by the older ones during pre-anthesis growth. Photosynthates from the upper leaves are mainly utilized in the development of the upper stem and buds. However nearly 75% of the assimilates from the topmost (flag) leaf were translocated to the growing fruits.