Cry1Ac expression in transgenic Bt cotton hybrids is influenced by soil moisture and depth

Cry1Ac toxin concentration was assessed in leaves of Bt transgenic cotton hybrid grown on shallow (90 cm) black soils of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Cry toxin concentration increased up to 80 days after sowing followed by a steep decline. In general, toxin concentration was greater on the deep black soils than the shallow soil. This was because of greater water-holding capacity of the deep soils. Cry toxin concentration was closely related to the soil water content. Beyond (excess moisture) and below (moisture deficit) field capacity, toxin concentration declined.