BIOINSECTICIDES FROM BENEFICIAL NEMATODES TO CONTROL INSECT PESTS

To maximize the use of resources and accelerate the characterization of S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. hermaphroditum insecticidal proteins, we will perform the proposed research using adult Drosophila melanogaster, larval Manduca sexta, larval Plutella xylostella, larval Spodoptera exigua, and whitefly adults. The fruit fly is a model system that has well-established assays and will allow us to use minimal amounts of protein to identify active fractions and proteins. We will follow-up by performing the same experiments in pest insects. Using insects from several different orders will help us determine the potential breadth of toxicity across insects.The specific objectives of our research are:1. Insecticidal activity-guided purification of candidate toxins from S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. hermaphroditum ESPs and assessment of candidate toxins by oral application against several insect species (Spodoptera exigua, Plutella, whiteflies, Drosophila melanogaster, and Manduca sexta).2. Develop transgenic tomato plants expressing CLP and evaluate the resistance of these plants against insect pests (Spodoptera exigua, whiteflies, and Manduca sexta)3. Elucidate the mode of action through which CLP has insecticidal activity and define molecular targets for CLP and other candidate toxins identified through activity-guided fractionation.