Genetically modified coffee trees for resistance to coffee leaf miner. Analysis of gene expression, insect resistance and agronomic value

A synthetic version of the #Bacillus thuringiensis# cryIAc gene was used in transformation of coffee species (#Coffea canephora# and #Coffea arabica#) to confer resistance to an important pest, the coffee leaf miner (#Perileucoptera coffeella and other #Leucoptera# spp.). Somatic embryos were co-cultivated with the LBA4404 strain of #Agrobacterium tumefaciens# containing the synthetic cryIAc gene, the csrI-I gene conferring resistance to a herbicide used as a selective agent, and the uidA gene. More than 100 transformed plants from independent transformation events have been obtained for each coffee genotype. The expression of the cryIAc gene was studied by western blotting analyses, and effective resistance of transgenic plants against leaf miner was verified by bioassays with insects. Correct integration of the genes was analysed. Agronomic conformity of the transgenic plants will be evaluated in field planting in French Guyana, and a suitable insect management will be implemented. These plants could represent a good opportunity to observe a gene expression in a perennial crop and the management of resistance against an endocarpic insect with a protein from #B. thuringiensis#. (Résumé d'auteur