Abstract: This invention encompasses isolated genes and amino acids that confer insect control properties on plants, as well as plants comprising such genes. These genes are derived from the following sources: Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana, Oryzae sativa (vars indica IR7, japonica) and Papaver rhoeas. In a preferred embodiment, insect control is conferred against Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) larvae. This invention further provides both homologous and heterologous sequences with a high degree of functional similarities.