A novel bacterial strain of Bacillus thuringiensis , VBTS 2528, is described. This strain comprises genes encoding Cry1Ac, Cry 1Ca, and Cry2Aa endotoxin proteins. The invention further relates to an insecticidal composition comprising a mixture of VBTS 2528 and to methods for controlling insect pests utilizing VBTS 2528.
1. An isolated biologically pure bacterial strain of Bacillus thuringiensis , VBTS 2528, deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and having Accession No. PTA-120423.
2. An isolated biologically pure bacterial culture of a Bacillus thuringiensis , VBTS 2528.
3. The bacterial strain of claim 1 wherein said strain includes genes encoding cry1Ac, cry2Aa and cry1Ca endotoxin proteins.
4. A pesticidal composition comprising a mixture of the bacterial strain of claim 1 and a suitable carrier.
5. The pesticidal composition of claim 4 , wherein said pesticidal composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of VBTS 2528, from about 1% to about 98% by weight of a solid or liquid inert carrier and from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of a surfactant.
6. A method for controlling pests comprising applying to an infested area a pesticidally effective amount of the bacterial strain of claim 1 .
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the pests are selected from the group consisting of Spodoptera genus, Plutella genus, Trichoplusia genus, Heliothis genus and Agrotis genus.