The disclosure provides polynucleotide molecules encoding novel defensins conferring increased pest tolerance and/or pesticidal activity when expressed in a plant, and recombinant DNA constructs and vectors comprising these molecules. Methods of making transgenic plants comprising recombinant defensin-encoding polynucleotide molecules and constructs, and transgenic plants, plant parts and seeds produced by these methods are provided. Compositions comprising one or more novel defensins of the disclosure are also provided having pesticidal and/or anti-microbial activity, as well as methods of their use.
