Potato expressing Cry3A and Cry3B confers resistance to the 28‐spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

BACKGROUND: The 28-spotted potato ladybird beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata) is a globally significant pest of solanaceous crops, including potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a staple food crop critical for global food security. Current pest management heavily relies on synthetic pesticides, raising concerns about resistance evolution, environmental contamination, and food safety. This study explores the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3A and Cry3B proteins as a viable alternative against H. vigintioctopunctata larvae. RESULTS: Transgenic potato plants (cultivar E3) expressing Cry3A and Cry3B genes were successfully engineered via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Molecular analyses confirmed stable transgene integration and high expression levels in single-copy transgenic lines, with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay further verifying stable accumulation of Bt proteins. Bioassays using transgenic foliage demonstrated rapid and significant larval mortality, exceeding 31.67% within 24 h and reaching 100% in some lines by day 13, in contrast to minimal mortality (17.5%) in wild-type controls. Moreover, transgenic plants exhibited substantially reduced foliar damage, confirming strong protective efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report the insecticidal activity of Cry3A and Cry3B proteins against H. vigintioctopunctata, thereby expanding the application scope of Bt-mediated resistance in potato. Our findings highlight the potential of transgenic potato as a sustainable and effective tool for managing this devastating pest, offering a promising strategy to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigate associated risks. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.