Abstract: The present invention provides RecA mutant proteins, having either a single mutation or a double mutation. The RecA mutant proteins are highly proficient in both SSB displacement and steady state binding of DNA in the presence or absence of SSB as compared to the wild-type protein. The single RecA mutant, RecA?C17, has 17 amino acid residues removed from the carboxyl terminus. The double mutant RecA, RecA?C17/E38K, combines the 17 amino acid residue C-terminal deletion of RecA?C17, with a single amino acid change from Glutamate to Lysine at position 38. These RecA mutant proteins are pH sensitive allowing control over formation of products. Hence, methods of using the novel RecA mutants and kits having the RecA mutants as components thereof are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides RecA mutant proteins, having either a single mutation or a double mutation. The RecA mutant proteins are highly proficient in both SSB displacement and steady state binding of DNA in the presence or absence of SSB as compared to the wild-type protein. The single RecA mutant, RecA&Dgr;C 17, has 17 amino acid residues removed from the carboxyl terminus. The double mutant RecA, RecA&Dgr;C17/E38K, combines the 17 amino acid residue C-terminal deletion of RecA&Dgr;C17, with a single amino acid change from Glutamate to Lysine at position 38. These RecA mutant proteins are pH sensitive allowing control over formation of products. Hence, methods of using the novel RecA mutants and kits having the RecA mutants as components thereof are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: A method for suppressing target pests, comprising exposing the pests to an effective biopesticidal amount of a composition, the composition comprising a carrier and a purified glucosinolate breakdown product having a hydroxyl group attached, wherein a starting material for the purified glucosinolate breakdown product is isolated from a crambe plant or mustard plant, further wherein the target pests are plants, fungi, bacteria or root knot nematodes is disclosed. Methods for suppressing target pests without limitation as to the starting materials are also disclosed wherein the pests are exposed to an effective biopesticidal amount of a composition comprising a carrier and either an analog or a derivative of a purified glucosinolate breakdown product having a hydroxyl group attached.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biopesticides which can replace commercial pesticides and biopesticides which have been banned, restricted, or are being phased out, including, but not limited to chloropicrin, dichlorvos and methyl bromide. Many of the biopesticides of the present invention are excellent fumigants, possessing quick action and volatility, while posing less risk than currently used pesticides to humans and the environment. The biopesticides of the present invention are natural and closely-related synthetic derivatives or analogs related to two classes of natural compounds, namely glucosinolates and monoterpenoids.