Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions comprising viable spores of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains for controlling or reducing mite infestations, such as the control and reduction of infestations produced by Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite).

Abstract: Two new Helicoverpa armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus genotypes, HearSNPV, HearSNPV-SP1B and HearSNPV-LB6, each originating from mixtures of genotypes obtained from different locations and crops, are described. Each exhibits specific insecticidal activity against H. armigera larvae comparable to that of commonly used commercial insecticides. Further, mixing the two genotypes, especially in the ratio of 1:1, within co-occluded virions of the mixed genotypes, is capable of controlling H. armigera infestations of tomato crops and is as efficacious as commonly used chemical and biological insecticides. Their use as bioinsecticides is safe for vertebrates, in that they specifically target arthropods. In addition, they are easy to produce and good yields can be obtained by orally inoculating H. armigera larvae with HearSNPV occlusion bodies.

Abstract: Production of virus occlusion bodies that occlude virions comprising genomes of different species of baculoviruses that can be used to combat insect pests. A method is presented for the production of occlusion derived virions (ODVs) that simultaneously comprise genomes of different baculovirus species, occluded in a viral occlusion body (OB) with the structural and morphological features characteristic of baculoviruses. Mixed genome ODVs and OBs can be produced by co-infecting insect cells or insect hosts using two or more different baculoviruses species. Co-infection may be achieved by simultaneous inoculation of the different baculoviruses or with a time interval between inoculations, which results in different proportions of each species' genomes in the ODVs and OBs that are produced. The produced OBs can be used either directly for preparing an insecticide, or to infect susceptible insects to produce larger quantities of mixed genome ODVs and OBs, also useful for combating pest insects.

Abstract: New Helicoverpa armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearSNPV) genotypes, method of producing same and use as a biological control agent Two new Helicoverpa armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus genotypes, HearSNPV, HearSNPV-SP1B and HearSNPV-LB6, each originating from mixtures of genotypes obtained from different locations and crops, are described. Each exhibits specific insecticidal activity against H. armigera larvae comparable to that of commonly used commercial insecticides. Further, mixing the two genotypes, especially in the ratio of 1:1, within co-occluded virions of the mixed genotypes, is capable of controlling H. armigera infestations of tomato crops and is as efficacious as commonly used chemical and biological insecticides. Their use as bioinsecticides is safe for vertebrates, in that they specifically target arthropods. In addition, they are easy to produce and good yields can be obtained by orally inoculating H. armigera larvae with HearSNPV occlusion bodies.

Abstract: Production of virus occlusion bodies that occlude virions comprising genomes of different species of baculoviruses that can be used to combat insect pests. A method is presented for the production of occlusion derived virions (ODVs) that simultaneously comprise genomes of different baculovirus species, occluded in a viral occlusion body (OB) with the structural and morphological features characteristic of baculoviruses. Mixed genome ODVs and OBs can be produced by co-infecting insect cells or insect hosts using two or more different baculoviruses species. Co-infection may be achieved by simultaneous inoculation of the different baculoviruses or with a time interval between inoculations, which results in different proportions of each species' genomes in the ODVs and OBs that are produced. The produced OBs can be used either directly for preparing an insecticide, or to infect susceptible insects to produce larger quantities of mixed genome ODVs and OBs, also useful for combating pest insects.