Mycogen Corporation

Luis Foncerrada

Jewel M Payne

George E Schwab

H Ernest Schnepf

Kenneth Edwin Narva

August J Sick

Heidi J Uick

John B Randall

M Keith Kennedy

Henry Meier

Jenny M Fu

Tracy Ellis Michaels

Gregory A Bradfisch

Kendrick Akira Uyeda

Harry E Schnepf

This invention concerns nematicidal proteins obtainable from isolates. The subject invention also provides various methods of using these proteins for controlling nematodes.

Nematicidal proteins

This invention concerns genes or gene fragments which have been cloned from novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have nematicidal activity. These genes or gene fragments can be used to transform suitable hosts for controlling nematodes.

Nematode-active toxins and genes which code therefor

Novel Bacillus thuringiensis toxins with hymenopteran activity are described.

Bacillus thuringiensis toxins active against hymenopteran pests

Genes encoding nematode-active toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis strains

Novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with hymenopteran activity are described. Also described are toxins having the advantageous hymenopteran activity. This invention further concerns genes or gene fragments which have been cloned from the novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates which have formicidal activity. These genes or gene fragments can be used to transform suitable hosts for controlling ants.

Bacillus thuringiensis gene encoding hymenopteran-active toxins

Certain isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) have been found to have activity against scarab pests. These isolates are designated B.t. PS86B1, B.t. PS43F and B.t. PS50C. These isolates, or transformed hosts containing the gene expressing a scarab-active toxin obtained from the isolates, can be used to control scarab-active pests, e.g., masked chafer, Cyclocephala sp., June beetle, Cotinis sp., northern masked chafer, Cyclocephala borealis, Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, and Pasadena masked chafer, Cyclocephala pasadenae, in various environments.

Bacillus thuringiensis toxins active against scarab pests

The subject invention concerns a novel microbe and gene encoding a novel toxin protein with activity against insect pests of the order Coleoptera. Pests in the order Coleoptera do heavy damage to crops, e.g., corn. The novel Bacillus thuringiensis microbe of the invention is referred to as B.t. PS50C. The spores or crystals of this microbe, or mutants thereof, are useful to control coleopteran pests in various environments. The novel gene of the invention can be used to transform various hosts wherein the novel toxic protein can be expressed.

Coleopteran-active Bacillus thuringiensis toxin

Gene encoding a coleopteran-active toxin

The subject disclosure concerns Bacillus thuringiensis strains which can be used to control lepidopteran pests. The strains were previously known to control coleopteran pests. The discovery of lepidopteran activity was totally unexpected. These B.t. strains can be formulated using standard lepidopteran formulation procedures. Means of administration are also standard. The genes encoding lepidopteran-active toxins can be isolated from the B.t. isolates and used to transform other microbes for use to control lepidopteran pests.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Luis Foncerrada