A transgenic cotton plant successfully resists a pest attack by causing midgut epithelial lysis and death of the feeding insect. This resistance is due to the expression of specific introduced cry genes. Which of the following correctly identifies the genes likely introduced and the primary pest they target in this crop?

Step-by-step solution

The mechanism of midgut epithelial lysis indicates the action of B t toxin (Cry proteins). According to NCERT, the specific genes introduced into cotton to control cotton bollworms are cryIAc and cryIIAb . The gene cryIAb is used to control the corn borer, making options containing it incorrect for cotton bollworms. Nematodes (like Meloidogyne incognita) are controlled using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, not cry genes. Answer: cryIAc and cryIIAb ; Cotton bollworms