Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the fitness of a host invertebrate (e.g., insect, mollusk, or nematode) by altering interactions between the host and one or more micoorganisms resident in the host. The invention features a composition including a modulating agent (e.g., a polypeptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or combinations thereof) that can induce changes in the host's microbiota in a manner that modulates (e.g., increases or decreases) host fitness. The modulating agent described herein may modulate the fitness of a variety of invertebrates that are important for agriculture, commerce, and/or public health.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating the fitness of a host invertebrate (e.g., insect, mollusk, or nematode) by altering interactions between the host and one or more micoorganisms resident in the host. The invention features a composition including a modulating agent (e.g., a polypeptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or combinations thereof) that can induce changes in the host's microbiota in a manner that modulates (e.g., increases or decreases) host fitness. The modulating agent described herein may modulate the fitness of a variety of invertebrates that are important for agriculture, commerce, and/or public health.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods for agricultural pest control, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect (e.g., agricultural pest), the alteration resulting in a decrease in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition including an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is detrimental to the host. By disrupting microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may decrease the fitness of a variety of insects that are considered agricultural pests.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods for agricultural use, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host nematode or arthropod (e.g., honeybee or silkworm), the alteration resulting in an increase in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is beneficial to the host. By promoting favorable microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, and/or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may be used to increase the fitness of a variety of beneficial nematodes or arthropods, such as bees and silkworms, utilized in agriculture and commerce.