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.

The present disclosure concerns a method for enhancing or promoting or increasing the fermentative potential of microbial populations and/or the growth rate of microorganisms. The present disclosure also proposes a method for improving survival, viability and/or stability of microorganisms in microbial products, suspensions or of microbial inoculants, during storage.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Methods for selecting a microbe for co-formulation with a carrier are provided. In some examples, the methods include identifying a microbe that comprises one or more dipicolinic acid (DPA) synthase genes, a microbe that expresses one or more DPA synthase proteins, and/or a microbe that produces DPA; and selecting the microbe for co-formulation with a carrier. The methods optionally include co-formulating the selected microbe with the carrier. In some examples, the methods include detecting one or more DPA synthase genes or one or more DpaA and/or DpaB proteins in a microbe. In other examples, the methods include detecting DPA in a microbe or medium containing a microbe, for example, utilizing a fluorescence assay. Microbial compositions including one or more microbes that comprise one or more DPA synthase genes, express one or more DPA synthase proteins and/or produce DPA are also provided.

Methods for selecting a microbe for co-formulation with a carrier are provided. In some examples, the methods include identifying a microbe that comprises one or more dipicolinic acid (DPA) synthase genes, a microbe that expresses one or more DPA synthase proteins, and/or a microbe that produces DPA; and selecting the microbe for co-formulation with a carrier. The methods optionally include co-formulating the selected microbe with the carrier. In some examples, the methods include detecting one or more DPA synthase genes or one or more DpaA and/or DpaB proteins in a microbe. In other examples, the methods include detecting DPA in a microbe or medium containing a microbe, for example, utilizing a fluorescence assay. Microbial compositions including one or more microbes that comprise one or more DPA synthase genes, express one or more DPA synthase proteins and/or produce DPA are also provided.

Methods for selecting a microbe for co-formulation with a carrier are provided. In some examples, the methods include identifying a microbe that comprises one or more dipicolinic acid (DPA) synthase genes, a microbe that expresses one or more DPA synthase proteins, and/or a microbe that produces DPA; and selecting the microbe for co-formulation with a carrier. The methods optionally include co-formulating the selected microbe with the carrier. In some examples, the methods include detecting one or more DPA synthase genes or one or more DpaA and/or DpaB proteins in a microbe. In other examples, the methods include detecting DPA in a microbe or medium containing a microbe, for example, utilizing a fluorescence assay. Microbial compositions including one or more microbes that comprise one or more DPA synthase genes, express one or more DPA synthase proteins and/or produce DPA are also provided.

Provided are compositions derived from Beauveria bassiana, Brevibacillus brevis, Streptomyces spororaveus, Paenibacillus elgii, or Streptomyces sp. fermentation, having algicidal properties, and method of use thereof.

Provided are compositions derived from Beauveria bassiana, Brevibacillus brevis, Streptomyces spororaveus, Paenibacillus elgii, or Streptomyces sp. fermentation, having algicidal properties, and method of use thereof.

Provided are compositions derived from Beauveria bassiana, Brevibacillus brevis, Streptomyces spororaveus, Paenibacillus elgii, or Streptomyces sp. fermentation, having algicidal properties, and method of use thereof.