Lepidopteran-active variable-region sequence imparts coleopteran activity in eCry3.1Ab, an engineered Bacillus thuringiensis hybrid insecticidal protein.

A unique, coleopteran-active protein, termed eCry3.1Ab, was generated following variable-region exchange of a Bacillus thuringiensis lepidopteran-active protein, Cry1Ab, with a Cry3A region. Our results support the hypothesis that this variable-region exchange is responsible for imparting strong bioactivity against the larvae of western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), a pest species which is not susceptible to either parent protein sequence.