Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein mixtures in chickpea crop protection programs: use of Vip and Cry protein combinations

Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) is a well-known entomopathogen. The pesticidal activity of this organism resides primarily in the proteinaceous, crystalline inclusion bodies (i.e. the Cry proteins). However, roles for additional principles such as the components of the spores, the heat-stable exotoxins (beta-exotoxins), phospholipases, proteases and chitinases have been implicated in the overall pesticidal activity of B.t. The Cry proteins of B.t. have been used in insect management strategies as field application formulations consisting of spore/toxin mixture of various strains. (Alternatively, transgenic planst expressing one or more Cry proteins have also been developed). The overall goals of this project are to: