Detection and characterization of Cry 1 Ac in Bt cotton

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the 2024–25 season at the Biotechnology lab Daftari Agro Pvt. Ltd. Agricultural Researchin Seloo, distWardha, to evaluate Cry1Ac protein expression in Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton hybrids. The study focused on the effect of various nutrient management strategies and yield targets on protein levels as plant tissues matured. The leaf discs were incubated in the dark following the ELISA method with economically available kits. Using qualitative ELISA techniques, the research identified substantially higher Cry1Ac concentrations in leaves at 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Specifically, the leading hybrids recorded protein levels of 3.491, 3.281, and 3.395 µg g⁻¹ fresh weight, respectively, outperforming other tested varieties. Using ELISA kits at the Seloo worked great. It shows these tests are a reliable way to make sure the commercial Bt seeds farmers are buying actually have the genetic quality and traits they’re supposed to have. The development of genetically modified (Bt) cotton, which expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis (Cry1Ac) poison, has revolutionized pest management in agriculture.