Streptomyces SMIP Proteins for Corn Rootworm Control Beyond Cry
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative pest control mechanisms that are effective against corn rootworms, particularly Diabrotica species, to mitigate resistance development and minimize environmental impact, as current chemical pesticides and transgenic plants expressing Cry proteins face issues with resistance and environmental burden.
Innovation Solution
Development of insecticidal proteins derived from Streptomyces bacteria, known as SMIPs, which are toxic to corn rootworms and can be expressed in transgenic plants or delivered through formulations, offering a different mode of action and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical pesticides are applied intensively to control corn rootworms, then insect pest control effectiveness is improved, but environmental burden increases and resistant insect populations develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the insecticidal agent by using a novel chemical compound (Formula I) with specific molecular characteristics different from conventional pesticides. This structural parameter change provides effective control against corn rootworm while reducing environmental burden and resistance development compared to traditional chemical pesticides.
2Reliability
If chemical pesticides are applied intensively to control corn rootworms, then insect pest control effectiveness is improved, but resistant insect populations appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel chemical compound with unique molecular parameters (Formula I) that have different modes of action compared to conventional pesticides. This parameter change in the insecticidal agent's chemical structure helps prevent resistance development in insect populations by targeting different physiological pathways, thereby maintaining long-term control effectiveness.
3Reliability
If insecticides are applied prophylactically at planting time, then corn rootworm control is achieved, but environmental burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the novel insecticidal compound (Formula I) prophylactically at planting time, similar to conventional practices. However, the unique chemical parameters of this compound provide the same protective effect with reduced environmental burden, allowing preliminary action to be taken without the severe environmental costs of traditional pesticides.
4Reliability
If Cry proteins are expressed in transgenic plants, then insect pest control is improved, but insect pests develop resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chemical compound (Formula I) as an intermediary substance that mediates insect control through a different biochemical pathway than Cry proteins. This intermediary approach bypasses the resistance mechanisms that insects have developed against Bt toxins, providing effective control against resistant pest populations including corn rootworm.
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for controlling insect pests are disclosed. In particular, novel insecticidal proteins having toxicity to at least coleopteran insect pests are provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel insecticidal proteins are also provided. Methods of making the insecticidal proteins and methods of using the insecticidal proteins and nucleic acids encoding the insecticidal proteins of the invention, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage, are also disclosed.