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A Recombinant Baculovirus and Its Use as a Biocontrol Agent for Crop Pests
Patent Number: 6087165
Docket Number: 14097
Serial Number: 9258275
Date Patented: 07/11/2000
Agricultural Research Service
Date Issued:
July 11, 2000
Abstract:
The invention is a baculovirus genetically engineered to produce small proteins, or peptides, effective for the
biological control of corn earworm--Helicoverpa zea--and related species. It is an environmental alternative to
chemical pesticides against the corn earworm, which causes nearly $1.2 million in annual losses. Three peptides
isolated from H. zea itself have been identified as helicokinins. A baculovirus engineered to produce these peptides
serves as a vector for transmission of the peptides to insects which feed and ingest recombinant baculovirus. The
baculovirus produces the peptides in the insect gut in sufficient quantities, causing dehydration, weight loss and
eventual death. In addition to its environmental advantage, the invention overcomes increasing resistance to
chemical pesticides.
Inventor:
Ashok K. Raina
Southern Regional Research Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 286-4290 / Fax: (504) 286-4235
Industry Keywords:
pesticides, chemical, environment, corn earworm, biocontrol, Helicoverpa zea, biotechnology, protein, baculovirus
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