Discovery of corn rootworm specific insecticidal protein from non-Bacillus bacterial species

Crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-derived insecticidal Cry proteins or VIP proteins have been on the market for over 15 years. These Bt crops have provided significant value to growers. Western corn rootworm (WCRW) is a major pest of maize. Here we present the discovery of a new insecticidal protein – IPD072Aa- from a Pseudomonas strain. It shows strong and specific insecticidal activity against WCRW and NCRW. Transgenic corn plants expressing IPD072Aa display a high level of root protection from WCRW damage. IPD072Aa is a promising lead for new CRW control trait development. Our work demonstrates that bacteria other than Bacillus can be valuable sources of new insecticidal proteins.