Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the cloning a polypeptide having larvicidal activity. In particular, the invention relates to vectors, bacterial strains and methods for the cloning and expression of the N-terminal region of a polypeptide toxic against the larvae of Lepidoptera of the Noctuidae family, preferably against S.littoralis.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences that encode these proteins. In preferred embodiments, these pesticidal proteins have molecular weights of approximately 40-50 kDa and of approximately 10-15 kDa.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a DNA construct comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid encoding an N-terminal core toxin and a C-terminal Cry1Ab protoxin portion, wherein the nucleic acid encoding the C-terminal Cry1Ab protoxin portion is a plant optimized polynucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid segments comprising synthetically-modified genes encoding Coleopteran-toxic B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxins. Also disclosed are methods of using these genes for the recombinant expression of polypeptides, the preparation of vectors containing the genes, and methods for transforming suitable host cells.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidal toxins and the polynucleotide sequences which encoded these toxins. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel toxins and genes obtainable from Bacillus laterosporus isolates disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the subject genes and toxins are used to control Western corn rootworm.

Abstract: The specification discloses a nucleic acid from Bacillus thuringiensis strain KB59A4-6 that encodes a novel pesticidal SUP toxin and plants and microbial cells transformed with the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode the colepteran-toxic crystal proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and the cryET34 gene encodes the 14-kDa CryET34 crystal protein. The CryET33 and CryET34 crystal proteins are toxic to red flour beetle larvae and Japanese beetle larvae. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis genes and their encoded crystal proteins, as well as methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods useful in the control of non-mammalian pests and, particularly, plant pests. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides new Bacillus thuringiensis toxins useful for the control of lepidopterans. The subject invention further provides nucleotide sequences which encode the toxins of the subject invention. The nucleotide sequences of the subject invention can be used to transform hosts, such as plants, to express the pesticidal toxins of the subject invention. The subject invention further concerns novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The primers are also useful as nucleotide probes to detect the toxin-encoding genes.

Abstract: This application discloses the tissue-specific transcription regulatory sequences from the soybean Msg, gene, which is highly expressed in tissues which are potential sites of entry of plant pathogens or attack by plant pests, including the developing soybean pods. The Msg gene shows significant homology to a family of fruit and flower specific genes, designated the major latex protein (MLP) homologs, so far reported in only a few species and whose functions are unknown. The Msg transcription regulatory sequences are fully active in Arabidopsis only in plants transformed with the 2.26 kb fragment promoter, expressing an associated coding sequence in nectaries, nodes, short style and in guard cells of the silique, pedicel and stem but not in mature leaves. Methods for tissue specific sequence expression are provided in the present application.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel insecticidal polypeptides, and compositions comprising these polypeptides, peptide fragments thereof, and antibodies specific therefor. Also disclosed are vectors, transformed host cells, and transgenic plants that contain nucleic acid segments that encode the disclosed &dgr;-endotoxin polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods of identifying related polypeptides and polynucleotides, methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising these polynucleotide sequences, as well as methods for controlling an insect population, such as Colorado potato beetle, southern corn rootworm and western corn rootworm, and for conferring to a plant resistance to a target insect species.

Abstract: A nucleic acid derived from Bacillus thuringiensis contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide demonstrated to be toxic to fire ants.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidal toxins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these toxins. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel &dgr;-endotoxin, designated CryET29, that exhibits insecticidal activity against siphonapteran insects, including larvae of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), as well as against coleopteran insects, including the southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata), western corn rootworm (D. virgifera), Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), and red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). Also disclosed are nucleic acid segments encoding CryET29, recombinant vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising a cryET29 DNA segment. Methods for making and using the disclosed protein and nucleic acid segments are disclosed as well as assays and diagnostic kits for detecting cryET29 and CryET29 sequences in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel insecticidal toxins and genes which encode these toxins. Also disclosed are novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means of controlling plant pests by a novel method of expressing Cry2Ab B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxins in plants, targeted to the plastids. The invention comprises novel nucleic acid segments encoding proteins comprising Cry2Ab B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxins. The nucleic acid segments are disclosed, as are transformation vectors containing the nucleic acid segments, plants transformed with the claimed segments, methods for transforming plants, and methods of controlling plant infestation by pests.

Abstract: Methods for creating viral display libraries for purposes of isolating variants with modified target cell specificity and related methods; also retroviral display libraries.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: Inhibition of eucaryotic pathogens and neoplasms and stimulation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts with lytic peptides such as cecropins and sarcotoxins. Eucaryotic cells are contacted with cecropin or sarcotoxin, or a synergistic combination of cecropins or sarcotoxin with lysozyme, in an amount effective to lyse or inhibit the cells. Target cells include eucaryotic microorganisms such as protozoa, e.g. T. cruzi and P. falciparum, mammalian lymphomas and leukemias, and cells infected with intracellular pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Also disclosed is a method for stimulating proliferation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts by contacting such cells with an effective amount of cecropin or sarcotoxin. The methods may be in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The genes encoding a novel class of insecticidal proteins have been isolated and characterized from a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis. Both the nucleic and amino acid sequences for the proteins are disclosed. The nucleic acid molecules are utilized in the transformation of host microorganisms and production of transgenic plants which are resistant to insects. Also, the gene encoding for the insect's receptor of the insecticidal protein has been isolated and characterized. Novel processes and methods for controlling plants pests are provided.

Abstract: A novel gene encoding a Coleopteran inhibitory Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein is disclosed. The protein, tIC851, is insecticidally active and provides plant protection from at least cotton boll weevil, Anthomomus grandis, when applied to plants in an insecticidally effective composition.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: A method of increasing protein expression encoded by a foreign gene in plants which comprises treating a locus comprising the plant or the seed from which it grows with aldicarb. A method of controlling pests at a locus, which locus comprises a plant containing a gene which encodes for Bt endotoxin, the method comprising the application of aldicarb at the plant or at the seed from which it grows. A method of controlling weeds at a locus, which locus comprises a plant containing a foreign gene which encodes a protein imparting tolerance to an herbicide, wherein the herbicide is applied in locus to plant, the method comprising the application of aldicarb to the plant or to the seed from which it grows. A method of increasing the time during which an herbicide may be applied to an herbicide tolerant plant, which method comprises applying a systemic pesticide to the plant or to a seed from which it grows.

Abstract: Methods for transformation of maize with nucleic acid sequences of interest are disclosed. The method involves subjecting immature zygotic embryos or Type I callus to high velocity microprojectile bombardment. The method is capable of producing transformed maize lines of commercial importance and their hybrid combinations.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode the colepteran-toxic crystal proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and the cryET34 gene encodes the 14-kDa CryET34 crystal protein. The CryET33 and CryET34 crystal proteins are toxic to red flour beetle larvae and Japanese beetle larvae. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: Nematode-inducible promoter sequences are disclosed. These sequences can be used for expressing DNA sequences in plant cells. Chimeric DNA constructs comprising the nematode-inducible promoter sequences operably linked to DNA to be expressed in plant cells are also disclosed. Plants comprising the chimeric DNA are provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these proteins. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, pesticidal proteins of approximately 40-50 kDa and of approximately 10-15 kDa are used for controlling corn rootworms. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods usefull in the control of non-mammalian pests and, particularly, plant pests. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides new Bacillus thuringiensis toxins usefull for the control of lepidopterans. The subject invention further provides nucleotide sequences which encode the toxins of the subject invention. The nucleotide sequences of the subject invention can be used to transform hosts, such as plants, to express the pesticidal toxins of the subject invention. The subject invention further concerns novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The primers are also usefull as nucleotide probes to detect the toxin-encoding genes.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods useful in the control of pests and, particularly, the plant pests. More specifically, the subject invention concerns novel genes and pesticidal toxins referred to as 86A1(b) and 52A1(b). In preferred embodiments, the subject toxins are used for controlling flea beetles of the genus Phyllotreta. Using the genes described herein, the transformation of plants can be accomplished using techniques known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the subject invention provides toxin genes optimized for expression in plants.

Abstract: The subject invention provides new, plant-optimized polynucleotide sequences that encode pesticidal toxins. The polynucleotide sequences of the subject invention have certain modifications, compared to wild-type sequences, for example, that make them particularly well-suited for optimized expression in plants. Using the polynucleotide sequences described herein, the transformation of plants can be accomplished, using techniques known to those skilled in the art, in order to confer pest resistance upon the plants. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides plant-optimized polynucleotide sequences which encode approximately 15 kDa and approximately 45 kDa pesticidal proteins.

Abstract: Cyanobacteria incorporating a gene from Bacillus sp. encoding for insecticidal proteins (endotoxins) is described. The endotoxins are particularly effective against Diptera (mosquito) larvae. Recombinant vectors for transforming DNA fragments of the endotoxin gene or genes into the Cyanobacterium are described. The Cyanobacteria are easily grown in ponds or the like where the mosquitos or other insects breed.

Abstract: The present invention provides ABC transporter gene of P. fluorescens encoding a protein which enhances the secretion of foreign proteins extracellularly, a recombinant expression vector containing the transporter gene, a microorganism transformed therewith and a process for preparing foreign proteins which comprises the steps of incubating the transformant, inducing expression of the proteins and leading the proteins to be secreted extracellularly. In accordance with the present invention, foreign proteins can be secreted extracellularly in a simple and efficient manner by employing a secretion system associated with the ABC transporter gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention.

Abstract: DNA sequences optimized for expression in plants are disclosed. The DNA sequences preferably encode for an insecticidal polypeptides, particularly insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. Plant promoters, particular tissue-specific and tissue-preferred promoters are also provided. Additionally disclosed are transformation vectors comprising said DNA sequences. The transformation vectors demonstrate high levels of insecticidal activity when transformed into maize.

Abstract: A plant, the nuclear genome of which is transformed with a foreign DNA sequence encoding a product which selectively disrupts the metabolism, functioning and/or development of stamen cells of the plant. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: A plant, the nuclear genome of which is transformed with a foreign DNA sequence encoding a product which selectively disrupts the metabolism, functioning and/or development of stamen cells of the plant. The foreign DNA sequence also optionally encodes a marker.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis nucleic acid segments encoding &dgr;-endotoxins having insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are synthetic crystal proteins encoded by these novel nucleic acid sequences. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention. Also disclosed are methods for modifying, altering, and mutagenizing specific loop regions between the &agr; helices in domain 1 of these crystal proteins, including Cry1C, to produce genetically-engineered recombinant cry* genes, and the proteins they encode which have improved insecticidal activity. In preferred embodiments, novel Cry1C* amino acid segments and the modified cry1C* nucleic acid sequences which encode them are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to B.t. toxins active against pests. More specifically, the subject invention pertains to truncated Cry6A toxins. These activated toxins are particularly effective for controlling coleopteran pests such as the corn rootworm and the alfalfa weevil.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel toxins and genes obtainable from Bacillus laterosporus isolates disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the subject genes and toxins are used to control Western corn rootworm.

Abstract: A method for producing genetically transformed plants exhibiting toxicity to Coleopteran insects is disclosed. In another aspect, the present invention embraces chimeric plant genes, genetically transformed cells and differentiated plants which exhibit toxicity to Coleopteran insects. In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces bacterial cells and plant transformation vectors comprising a chimeric plant gene encoding a Coleopteran toxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an integrant(s) of Bacillus thuringiensis. The invention further relates to such integrants, compositions comprising such integrants, as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an integrant(s) of Bacillus thuringiensis which produces a larger quantity of a crystal delta-endotoxin greater pesticidal activity as compared to the crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the corresponding parental strain. The crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the integrant Bacillus thuringiensis will have an activity directed towards the same pest(s) as its parent Bacillus thuringiensis crystal delta-endotoxin. The invention further relates to such integrants, compositions comprising such integrants, as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel methods for controlling lepidopteran pests whereby said pests are contacted with a pesticidal amount of a toxin obtainable from Bacillus thuringiensis isolate PS31G1 (NRRL B-21560).

Abstract: This invention satisfies needs in the art by providing intimin, the Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) adherence protein, alone or as a fusion protein with one or more other antigens, expressed by transgenic plants and the use of those plants as vehicles for stimulating a protective immune response against EHEC and the one or more other antigens. Various plant species are transformed to protect various animal species and also humans against EHEC, against pathogens expressing intimin-like proteins, and against pathogens expressing any of the one or more other antigens to which intimin may be fused. The eae gene encoding intimin, a functional portion thereof, or a recombination that encodes a fusion protein is put under the control of a constitutive plant promoter in a plasmid and the plasmid is introduced into plants by the type of transformation appropriate for the particular plant species.

Abstract: An isolated DNA fragment that promotes root knot or cyst nematode indcuible transcription of a coding sequence downstream of and operably linked to the fragment in at least an Arabidopsis thaliana plant and a chimeric DNA sequence including the DNA fragment. Also, methods for the use of the DNA fragment.

Abstract: The Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD-73 crystal protein gene was cloned into pBR322. E. coli cells harboring this recombinant plasmid produced a 130 kD protoxin that was toxic to Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) larvae. Plasmids having the 3′-end of the protoxin gene deleted where also constructed. E. coli cells harboring these deleted plasmids produced an active, soluble 68 kD toxin, provided that the 3′-deletion had not removed sequences encoding the 68 kD toxin. The invention provides methods to produce 68 kD toxin protein by constructing partial protoxin genes encoding the toxin followed by expression of the genes in living cells. Useful plasmids and cells are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode the colepteran-toxic crystal proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and the cryET34 gene encodes the 14-kDa CryET34 crystal protein. The CryET33 and CryET34 crystal proteins are toxic to red flour beetle larvae and Japanese beetle larvae. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, pesticidal toxins, genes, and nucleotide probes and primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The subject invention provides entirely new families of toxins from Bacillus isolates.