Bt Strain Composition for Spodoptera Frugiperda Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-based products are ineffective or poorly efficient in controlling Spodoptera frugiperda pests, and the identification of new Bt strains with high activity against this species is hindered by unique toxicity patterns, unpredictable synergistic or antagonistic effects among toxins, and incomplete experimental data.
Innovation Solution
The isolation and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strain SVBS-1801, which contains a unique combination of 6 cry genes and 3 vip genes, providing high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda, and methods for preparing and using its spores, crystals, and related compositions as insecticides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Bt-based products are used for pest control, then general insecticidal activity is provided, but effectiveness against Spodoptera frugiperda is poor or nonexistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific Bt strain (SVBS-1801) with a unique genetic profile (6 cry genes and 3 vip genes) that produces toxins specifically adapted to target Spodoptera frugiperda. This strain has been characterized to have high insecticidal activity against this particular pest species, making the treatment locally optimized for this pest rather than using general-purpose Bt products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by identifying and utilizing specific genetic parameters (presence of 6 cry genes and 3 vip genes) in strain SVBS-1801 that differentiate it from conventional Bt strains. These genetic parameters determine the toxin profile and insecticidal activity, and the patent specifies particular growth parameters (sporulation phase, cell density) to maximize toxin production and effectiveness against the target pest.
2Reliability
If Bt strains with unique toxicity patterns are used, then potential high activity against specific pests is achieved, but unpredictability of synergistic or antagonistic effects among toxins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting extensive in vitro characterization of strain SVBS-1801 before field application. The toxin profile was determined through genetic analysis (identifying 6 cry genes and 3 vip genes) and in vitro bioassays to assess insecticidal activity. This preliminary characterization allows prediction of the strain's performance and understanding of toxin interactions before actual pest control application, reducing the unpredictability mentioned in the contradiction.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive experimental characterization of Bt strains is performed, then accurate toxicity assessment is achieved, but time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the strain characterization process into distinct modular steps: genetic analysis (PCR amplification and sequencing of cry and vip genes), in vitro toxin production assessment, and in vitro insecticidal activity testing. This segmented approach allows systematic evaluation of different aspects of strain performance independently, making the overall characterization process more manageable and efficient while maintaining comprehensive assessment accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Strain SVBS-1801 demonstrates enhanced insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda, overcoming the limitations of existing products and offering a natural, β-exotoxin-free solution for pest control.
Implementation Method 1
Bt is known for synthetizing a wide variety of toxins, which target insect pests and other organisms that damage the cultivated plants... This occurs during the sporulation phase and results in the formation of a parasporal body (crystal)
Implementation Method 2
This occurs during the sporulation phase and results in the formation of a parasporal body (crystal) that constitutes a differential characteristic of Bt compared to other species of the same taxonomic group
Implementation Method 3
The crystal forming proteins contain disulfide bridges and hydrophobic bonds in their structure that render them protease-resistant
Implementation Method 4
The crystal forming proteins contain disulfide bridges and hydrophobic bonds in their structure that render them protease-resistant
Implementation Method 5
b) purifying the crystals and spores by provoking their sedimentation from the culture medium where they are in suspension, preferably by centrifugation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a B. thuringiensis{Bt) strain which does not produce beta-exotoxin and which exhibits insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda, an insect whose control is poor or ineffective with the currently market available Bt-based products. Thus, compositions based in this strain can be used as insecticides or for preparation of insecticides, being preferably that the composition used is a combination of spores and crystal proteins of the strain. The genome of the strain contains a combination of at least (6) different cry genes and at least (3) different Vip genes that has not been described for other Bt strains and that can be used to identify it.