A peptide or a salt thereof having the following general formula (I): 1-octanoyl-X-Aib-Y-Z (I), wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Aib-Lys(HCl)-Leu, Aib-Gly-Leu, Leu, or X is absent; Y is selected from the group consisting of Lys(HCl), Lys(HCl)-Gly-Leu-Aib-Lys(HCl), Lys(HCl)-Lys(HCl)-Leu-Aib-Lys(HCl), Gly-Gly-Leu-Aib-Lys(HCl) and Lys(HCl)-Lys(HCl)-Leu-Aib-Gly; Z is selected from the group consisting of Lol, Ilol, Ile-NH.sub.2, Leu-NH.sub.2, Ile-Lol and Ile-Leu-NH.sub.2; and wherein if, at the same time, X is Aib-Gly-Leu or is absent and Y is Lys(HCl)-Lys(HCl)-Leu-Aib-Gly, then Z is not Ile-Lol and is not Ile-Leu-NH.sub.2. The use of the peptide or of a salt thereof as a plant protection product against pathogenic micro-organisms in plants.

Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Coleopteran, Lepidopteran, Hemipteran, and Thysanopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC6280, TIC6281, TIC6282, TIC6283, TIC8808, TIC9480, TIC9257, TIC7106, TIC7017, TIC7107, TIC7108, TIC7109, TIC7110, TIC7111, TIC7589, TIC9258, and TIC9259. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding the pesticidal proteins provided. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Hemipteran and Thysanopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the protein of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Coleopteran, Lepidopteran, Hemipteran, and Thysanopteran species pests using the disclosed pesticidal proteins are also provided.

The invention relates to an aqueous pesticidal composition comprising a) suspended particles comprising dimpropyridaz, and b) triethylammonium chloride. It also relates to a method for producing the pesticidal composition; to a method for treating plant propagation material; to the use of triethylammonium chloride for inhibiting the crystal growth of particles of dimpropyridaz that are suspended in an pesticidal composition; a method for treating or protecting an animal from infestation or infection by invertebrate pests which comprises bringing the animal in contact with a pesticidally effective amount of the pesticidal composition; to a method for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, which method comprises contacting said pest or its food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of the pesticidal composition; and to a method for protecting growing plants from attack or infestation by invertebrate pests, which method comprises contacting a plant, or soil or water in which the plant is growing, with a pesticidally effective amount of the pesticidal composition.

Tubular conduits are provided which have an outer surface and/or an inner surface functionalized with at least one antimicrobial peptide having the sequence X.sub.1X.sub.2WVX.sub.3IWVX.sub.4X.sub.5, wherein X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, X.sub.4 and X.sub.5 are independently selected from K and R and wherein each amino acid is independently in the D or L configuration, or a salt or solvate thereof. The tubular conduits are preferably made of biodegradable polymeric material. The functionalization of the tubular conduits with the at least one antimicrobial peptide prevents contamination caused by Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, fungi, yeasts and/or viruses.

Tubular conduits are provided which have an outer surface and/or an inner surface functionalized with at least one antimicrobial peptide having the sequence X.sub.1X.sub.2WVX.sub.3IWVX.sub.4X.sub.5, wherein X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, X.sub.4 and X.sub.5 are independently selected from K and R and wherein each amino acid is independently in the D or L configuration, or a salt or solvate thereof. The tubular conduits are preferably made of biodegradable polymeric material. The functionalization of the tubular conduits with the at least one antimicrobial peptide prevents contamination caused by Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, fungi, yeasts and/or viruses.

The present invention provides a Mitrecin A polypeptide useful in prevention and treatment of one or more bacteria. Also provided is a method to kill or prevent growth of one or more bacteria comprising contacting the one or more bacteria with a Mitrecin A polypeptide. The target bacteria can be selected from the group consisting of a Gram-positive bacterium, a Gram-negative bacterium, or both. In one embodiment, the present invention is drawn to a polynucleotide encoding a Mitrecin A polypeptide, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the polynucleotide, or a composition comprising the Mitrecin A polypeptide, the polynucleotide, the vector, or the host cell.

The compositions of the present invention comprise at least one medium polarity oil and at least one antibacterial agent, the combination of which produces a synergistic antibacterial effect against bacterial biofilms. Methods are disclosed for the reduction of bacteria in and/or elimination of bacterial biofilms on biological and non-biological surfaces, as well as methods for the treatment of wounds, skin lesions, mucous membrane lesions, and other biological surfaces infected or contaminated with bacterial biofilms.

The compositions of the present invention comprise at least one medium polarity oil and at least one antibacterial agent, the combination of which produces a synergistic antibacterial effect against bacterial biofilms. Methods are disclosed for the reduction of bacteria in and/or elimination of bacterial biofilms on biological and non-biological surfaces, as well as methods for the treatment of wounds, skin lesions, mucous membrane lesions, and other biological surfaces infected or contaminated with bacterial biofilms.

Provided herein are screening methods for identifying compounds for use as repellents, e.g., as alternatives to DEET, and as pesticides. Further provided are one or more compounds identified using the screening methods described herein, and compositions containing such compounds.

Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC6757, TIC6757PL, TIC7472, TIC7472PL, TIC7473, and TIC7473PL. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the pesticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC6757, TIC6757PL, TIC7472, TIC7472PL, TIC7473, and TIC7473PL pesticidal proteins are also provided.