A pooled clone method was developed to screen for cry2A genes. This metagenomic method avoids the
need to analyse isolated Bacillus thuringiensis strains by performing gene specific PCR on plasmidenriched
DNA prepared from a pooled soil sample. Using this approach the novel holotype gene cry2Ah1
was cloned and characterized. The toxin gene was over-expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) and the
expressed toxin accumulated in both the soluble and insoluble fractions. The soluble Cry2Ah1 was found
to have a weight loss activity against Ostrinia furnacalis, and a growth inhibitory activity to both Cry1Acsusceptible
and resistant Helicoverpa armigera populations