Abstract: A method for killing pests (e.g. insects) comprising administering material from Xenorhabdus species (e.g. X. nematophilus) such as cells or supernatants orally to the pests, either alone or in conjunction with Bacillus thuringiensis or pesticidal materials derived therefrom. Also disclosed is an isolated pesticidal agent (and compositions comprising the same) characterized in that it is obtainable from cultures of X. nematophilus or mutants thereof, has oral pesticidal activity agent Pieris brassicae, Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella, is substantially heat stable to 55° C., is proteinaceous, acts synergistically with B. thuringiensis cells as an oral pesticide and is substantially resistant to proteolysis by trypsin and proteinase K. DNA encoding pesticidal activity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for killing pests (e.g. insects) comprising administering material from Xenorhabdus species (e.g. X. nematophilus) such as cells or supernatants orally to the pests, either alone or in conjunction with Bacillus thuringiensis or pesticidal materials derived therefrom. Also disclosed is an isolated pesticidal agent (and compositions comprising the same) characterized in that it is obtainable from cultures of X. nematophilus or mutants thereof, has oral pesticidal activity agent Pieris brassicae, Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella, is substantially heat stable to 55° C., is proteinaceous, acts synergistically with B. thuringiensis cells as an oral pesticide and is substantially resistant to proteolysis by trypsin and proteinase K. DNA encoding pesticidal activity is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis M200, a sample of which has been deposited under the accession number NCIMB 40385, or a variant, derivative or mutant thereof having entomocidal activity against lepidopterous pests. The invention also relates to the use of the said strain for control of insect pests.