Method For Detecting Polypeptide Toxic to Diabrotica Insects

Abstract

Disclosed is a novel Lepidopteran- and Coleopteran-active δ-endotoxin polypeptide, and compositions comprising the polypeptide, peptide fragments thereof, and antibodies specific therefor. Also disclosed are vectors, transformed host cells, and transgenic plants that comprise nucleic acid segments encoding the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods of identifying related polypeptides and polynucleotides, methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel sequences of the invention, as well as methods for controlling an insect population, such as the Western Corn Rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, and for conferring to a plant population resistance to the target insect species.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A purified antibody that specifically binds to a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         24 . A method for detecting a δ-endotoxin polypeptide in a biological sample, comprising the steps of:
 a) obtaining a biological sample suspected of containing a δ-endotoxin polypeptide;   b) contacting said sample with the antibody of  claim 23 , under conditions effective to allow the formation of complexes; and   c) detecting the complexes so formed.   
     
     
         25 . An immunodetection kit comprising, in suitable container means, the antibody of  claim 23  and an immunodetection reagent. 
     
     
         26 - 101 . (canceled) 
     
     
         102 . The antibody of  claim 23 , wherein said antibody is generated by using said polypeptide as an immunogen. 
     
     
         103 . The antibody of  claim 23 , wherein said antibody is produced by a hybridoma, said hybridoma being generated using said polypeptide.