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US 5,352,451 AGranted
Biological insect control agents and methods of use
AssigneeUniversity of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsLois K. Miller, David R. O'Reilly
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AssigneeUniversity of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsLois K. Miller, David R. O'Reilly
Estimating the term…
Insect control agents comprising genes encoding proteins affecting the growth, development or behavior of an insect are provided. The gene is either activated to prevent insect molting and pupation or is inactivated to reduce the feeding behavior, inhibit growth and result in the earlier death of the insect host. Such an insect control agent is exemplified by a baculovirus in which the gene encoding ecdysteriod glucosyltransferase has been inactivated. Additionally, such baculoviruses may be further modified to express a protein which affects ecdysis. Methods for producing the insect control agent and methods of controlling insects by exposing them to the insect control agent are also included.
An insect control agent comprising a baculovirus in which a naturally occurring gene encoding an ecdysteroid modifying enzyme having ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase activity is inactivated.
An insecticidal composition comprising a baculovirus and an agriculturally suitable carrier, said baculovirus having been genetically modified so as to inactivate a naturally occurring gene encoding an ecdysteroid modifying enzyme having ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase activity.
A method for producing an improved insect control agent and verifying the improved characteristics of said agent, comprising:
A method for insect control comprising the step of exposing the insect to a baculovirus, wherein a naturally-occurring gene encoding an ecdysteroid modifying enzyme having ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyl transferase activity has been inactivated in said baculovirus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.