Abstract: Provided are pesticidal, particularly insecticidal, proteins which resemble S-layer proteins, as well as variants or mutants thereof, and DNAs encoding them. Further provided are methods and means for using said DNA or protein for controlling pests, particularly plant insect pests.

Abstract: The present invention includes domain I modifications that improve various attributes of various Coleopteran-active Cry proteins. These attributes can include improved target pest spectrum, potency, and insect resistance management. The subject modifications can affect protoxin activation and the efficiency of pore formation, which can lead to enhanced insect intoxication.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to modifying BtBooster (BtB) peptides, in part to increase their stability in insect midgut digestive juices. Some preferred embodiments of BtB have removed proteinase cleavage sites resulting in increased stability of the modified BtB in the insect gut, while retaining the ability to enhance B.t. proteins for improved insect control. In some preferred embodiments, the protease-stable BtB is used in combination with B.t. spores and/or crystals comprising a Cry protein. Also reported herein is the significant and increased enhancement of Bt toxins against relatively Bt-tolerant insects (Helicoverpa zea, Spodoptera exigua and Agrotis ipsilon), when used with BtBs. We also describe increased toxin enhancement with cadherin fragments that are stabilized against over-digestion by insect midgut proteinases. We also report enhancement of Bt Cry1F toxin by cadherin fragments.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for controlling pests are disclosed. In particular, novel engineered Cry1Ba (eCry1Ba) proteins having improved toxicity to lepidopteran insect pests are provided. By substituting at least one amino acid in domain I of a Cry1Ba protein an engineered Cry1Ba protein having substantially altered insecticidal properties is designed. Further, a method of making the engineered Cry1Ba proteins and methods of using the ecry1Ba nucleic acid sequences, for example in transgenic plants to express eCry1B proteins to confer protection from insect damage are disclosed.

Abstract: Traditionally, the primary method for impacting insect pest populations is the application of broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. However, there is increasing concern about the environmental hazards associated with the production and use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Thus, there is substantial interest in developing alternative pesticides, including biological control of insect pests of agricultural significance using a microbial agent or another species of insect. The present invention provides compositions and methods for such biological control. Modified Cry3 pesticidal polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and methods of use are disclosed. The modified polynucleotides provided herein can be used to transform organisms and cells of hosts comprising plant, insects, and microorganisms. The expression of modified polypeptides can provide the host with improved insecticidal activity against one or more insect pathogens.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS:2, 11 and 13, or the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 10 and 12, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: An adjuvant for use with systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides and method of application on animals, birds, trees, plants, fruits and vegetables to enhance the action and effect of systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides with which the adjuvant is combined wherein the adjuvant comprises at least one surfactant and at least one high terpene containing natural oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant pest control, particularly insect control. Provided are nucleotide sequences from Bacillus thuringiensis encoding insecticidal proteins. Further provided are methods and means for using said nucleotide sequence for controlling plant insect pests.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for selecting nucleotide sequences that yield dsRNA-mediated gene suppression in a target organism and enable their uptake by the target organism. The invention further provides expression constructs that confer stabilized expression of such sequences in a transgenic host cell, and methods for their use. Also provided are organisms, cells and tissues prepared by a method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising a biologically effective amount of a compound of Formula 1, an N-oxide or an agriculturally suitable salt thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b and R5 are as defined in the disclosure, and an effective amount of at least one fungicide.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to controlling pest infestation by inhibiting one or more biological functions in an invertebrate pest. The invention discloses methods and compositions for use in controlling pest infestation by feeding one or more different recombinant double stranded RNA molecules to the pest in order to achieve a reduction in pest infestation through suppression of gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and to particular combinations of transgenic pesticidal agents for use in protecting plants from pest infestation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insecticidal suspension concentrate composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 0.3 to about 30% of 3-bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-N-[4-cyano-2-methyl-6-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide; (b) from about 5 to about 70% of a nonionic ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C., a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value ranging from about 5 to about 18 and an average molecular weight ranging from about 900 to about 20000 daltons; and (c) from about 20 to about 95% of water. Also disclosed is a method for controlling an insect pest comprising diluting said suspension concentrate composition with water to form a diluted composition, and contacting the insect pest or its environment with an insecticidally effective amount of said diluted composition.

Abstract: The isolation, cloning of an enhancin gene bel1 from Bacillus thuringiensis, and the use of an enhancin Bel1 in biological insecticides are disclosed in the present invention. A new enhancin gene bel1 is isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki YBT-1520, and its encoded product is a new enhancin Bel1. The enhancin has very strong effect-enhancing activity on the insecticidal action of insecticidal crystal protein Cry1Ac in killing Lepidoptera insects. The insecticidal activity of genetically engineered Bacillus thuringiensis BMB0187 developed on the basis of this enhancin is 5.7 times as high as that of the initial strain.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using field-derived colonies of insects that comprise field-evolved resistance to insecticidal toxins that are produced in transgenic plants. The methods find use in resistance management strategies for transgenic crop plants expressing insecticidal toxins.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding ?-endotoxins having pesticidal activity against pests of the order Coleoptera. The invention further provides mutagenized nucleic acids that have been modified to encode endotoxins having improved pesticidal activity and/or altered pest specificity. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, expression cassettes, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the invention. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein X is O or S; Y is O or S; Z is a direct bond, O, S(O)n, NR6, C(R7)2O, OC(R7)2, C(?X1), C(?X1)E, EC(?X1), C(?NOR8) or C(?NN(R6)2); a is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5a, R5b, R6, R7, R8, X1 and E are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides insecticidal polypeptides related to shuffled Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3 and 5, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, and 4, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: Provided are pesticidal, particularly insecticidal, proteins which resemble S- layer proteins, as well as variants or mutants thereof, and DNAs encoding them. Further provided are methods and means for using said DNA or protein for controlling pests, particularly plant insect pests.

Abstract: Provided is a bacterial strain which produces a family of mosquitocidal toxins, Xenorhabdus MT, on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection, PTA-6826, insecticidal compositions comprising the mosquitocidal toxin(s) produced by Xenorhabdus MT, a mosquitocidal toxin preparation prepared from spent culture medium, whole culture or cells or a mixture thereof, of Xenorhabdus MT and method of insect control, especially mosquito control. Also provided are microbial compounds (same as mosquitocidal toxins) compositions comprising them and use in formulating therapeutic and other antimicrobial compositions, and methods of use for inhibiting microbial growth and for treating infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-24 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12 and 25-44, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3, 5, and 7, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 4, and 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention may be summarized as follows. The present invention provides insecticides comprised of naturally-occurring compounds, such as, for example, PA1b-related peptides and terpenoid saponins. The present invention also provides for identification and characterization of a synergistic insecticidal effect between peptides and saponins extracted from plants. Furthermore, simplified extraction procedures are provided that avoid the use of a chloroform defatting step or a column chromatography step.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the use of peptide fragments of cadherins (including cadherin-like proteins). The subject invention includes a cell (and use thereof) comprising a polynucleotide that expresses the peptide fragment. The subject invention includes methods of feeding the peptides to insects. In preferred embodiments, the peptides are fed to target insects together with one or more insecticidal proteins, preferably (but not limited to) B.t. Cry proteins. When used in this manner, the peptide fragment can not only enhance the apparent toxin activity of the Cry protein against the insect species that was the source of the receptor but also against other insect species. Preferably, the cadherin is a Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) insecticidal crystal protein (Cry) toxin receptor. Preferably, the peptide fragment is a binding domain of the receptor. In some preferred embodiments, the peptide is the binding domain nearest to the membrane proximal ectodomain.

Abstract: A Unique Solenopsis invicta virus (SINV 3) has been identified and its genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV 3. The virus is used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the surprising discovery that toxin complex (TC) proteins, obtainable from Xenorhabdus, Photorhabdus, and Paenibacillus, can be used interchangeably with each other. In particularly preferred embodiments of the subject invention, the toxicity of a “stand-alone” TC protein (from Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus, or Paenibacillus, for example) is enhanced by one or more TC protein “potentiators” derived from a source organism of a different genus from which the toxin was derived. As one skilled in the art will recognize with the benefit of this disclosure, this has broad implications and expands the range of utility that individual types of TC proteins will now be recognized to have. Among the most important advantages is that one skilled in the art will now be able to use a single set of potentiators to enhance the activity of a stand-alone Xenorhabdus protein toxin as well as a stand-alone Photorhabdus protein toxin.

Abstract: Methods for making a modified Cry3A toxin are disclosed. Such methods include the insertion of a protease recognition site that is recognized by a gut protease of a target insect, such as corn rootworm, into at least one position of a Cry3A toxin so that a modified Cry3A toxin is thus designed. The coding sequence of the modified Cry3A toxin may be transformed into a host cell and the host cell grown under conditions that allow the host cell to produce the modified Cry3A toxin. The host cell may be a plant cell and the plant may be comprised in a transgenic plant. Thus, the transgenic plant may be used to produce the modified Cry3A toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of nucleotide sequences encoding novel insecticidal proteins secreted into the extracellular space from Bacillus thuringiensis and related strains. The proteins are isolated from culture supernatants of Bacillus thuringiensis and related strains and display insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects including European corn borer (ECB), tobacco budworm (TBW) and diamondback moth (DBM). Insecticidal proteins encoded by nucleotide sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions to the isolated and characterized nucleotide sequences are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for making and using transgenic cells and plants comprising the novel nucleotide sequence of the invention.

Abstract: A novel galectin, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a vector and a transformant comprising the polynucleotide, an antibody against the galectin, and a screening method for screening a substance capable of modifying the galectin, are disclosed. According to the galectin, polynucleotide, or vector, it is possible, for example, to exterminate ticks, or to treat or prevent tick-borne infections such as rickettsiosis, filariasis, Q fever, African recurrent fever, or viral encephalitis.

Abstract: This invention provides truncated Cry 35 proteins that surprisingly and unexpectedly have increased pesticidal activity as compared to full-length Cry 35 proteins. The subject invention also includes polynucleotides that encode these truncated proteins, transgenic plants comprising a truncated gene of the subject invention, and transgenic plants that produce these truncated proteins. This invention further provides methods of controlling plant pests, including rootworms, with these truncated proteins. The truncated Cry35 proteins of the subject invention are preferably used in combination with Cry34 proteins, which are known in the art. Various surprising advantages of the subject invention will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for pesticidal polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated pesticidal nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant flour material comprising a ground, dried plant material, wherein the plant material contains a recombinant protein comprises a bactericidal or an insecticidal protein toxin, or combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to a seed oil body composition comprising a seed oil body fusion, said oil body fusion comprising an oil body protein fused to a recombinant protein comprising a bactericidal or an insecticidal protein toxin. The present invention provides for a method of abating or controlling the population of mosquitoes comprising administering to a water source suspected of containing mosquito larvae an effective amount of seed oil body preparation comprising one or more Bti toxins, optionally in combination with one or more BtBs.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences encoding an insecticidal protein exhibiting lepidopteran inhibitory activity, as well as a novel insecticidal protein referred to herein as a Cry1A.105 insecticide, transgenic plants expressing the insecticide, and methods for detecting the presence of the nucleotide sequences or the insecticide in a biological sample.

Abstract: A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.

Abstract: A series of potent and highly specific insecticidal toxins characterized by an amino acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 2-35.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:21-32, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-20, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the discovery that BtBooster (BtB) peptides enhance Bt strain and Cry protein toxicity to the lesser mealworm. The subject invention also relates in part to the discovery that Bt tenebrionis producing Cry3Aa crystals and Bt japonensis BuiBui producing Cry8Ca crystals are insecticidal to A. diperinus larvae (darkling beetle or lesser mealworm). The subject invention also relates in part to the discovery that fragments from cadherins of the western corn rootworm and the yellow mealworm enhance the toxicities of Bt tenebrionis and Bt japonensis BuiBui toxicity to coleopteran larvae of the genus Alphitobius. In addition, the subject invention relates in part to the use of cadherin fragments to enhance the toxicities of Cry3Aa, Cry3Bb and Cry8Ca to coleopteran larvae of the genus Alphitobius. The subject invention also relates in part to screening Bt strains and Cry proteins for toxicity to larvae of darkling beetles or lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-30, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-24 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12 and 25-44, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the discovery that a fragment from a cadherin of the western corn rootworm enhances Cry3 toxicity to larvae of naturally susceptible species. The subject invention also relates in part to the discovery that a cadherin fragment from a beetle enhances Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb toxicity to coleopteran larvae, particularly those in the family Chrysomelidae. Such cadherin fragments are referred to as Bt Boosters (BtBs). The subject invention can be extended to the use of BtBs with other coleopteran-toxic Cry proteins for controlling a wide range of coleopterans.