Novel genes encoding insecticidal proteins

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel gene sequences encoding insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strains. Particularly, new chimeric genes encoding a Cry1C, Cry1B or Cry1D protein are provided which are useful to protect plants from insect damage. Also included herein are plant cells or plants comprising such genes and methods of making or using them, as well as plant cells or plants comprising one of such chimeric gene and at least one other of such chimeric genes.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to new gene sequences encoding insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strains. Particularly, new chimeric genes encoding a Cry1C protein are provided which are useful to protect plants from insect damage. Also included herein are plant cells or plants comprising such genes and methods of making or using them, as well as plant cells or plants comprising such cry1C chimeric gene and at least one other gene encoding an insecticidal protein, such as new gene sequences encoding a Cry1B or Cry1D protein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Strain and proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (abbreviated herein as “Bt”) are well known for their specific toxicity to insect pests, and they have been used since almost a century to control Insect pests. Some transgenic plant species expressing Bt proteins are now available, and they successfully limit insect damage on plants. Despite the isolation of quite a number of insecticidal Bt protei...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes the use of new genes from Bt to control insects in vegetables, particularly Brassica plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These genes can be introduced into plants through transformation of plant cells or breeding with plants containing the genes. The genes provide resistance to various insect species that are controlled by Bt proteins. The invention also includes a combination of technologies to optimize resistance in plants. The use of these genes can provide increased resistance to insects and reduce the use of insecticides in crop production. The invention also includes novel genes and variants of the Cry1C protein, as well as a chloroplast transit peptide. Overall, the invention provides new tools to protect vegetables from insect damage."

Problems solved by technology

(2003) have described transgenic broccoli plants expressing a Cry1Ac or a Cry1C Bt toxin, as well as crosses between these plants so that both the Cry1Ac and Cry1C toxins are expressed in the same plants, but these plants have not been commercialized.