Improved compositions and methods for controlling pests are disclosed. In particular, novel engineered Cry1Ba (eCry1Ba) proteins having improved toxicity to lepidopteran insect pests are provided. By substituting at least one amino acid in domain I of a Cry1Ba protein an engineered Cry1Ba protein having substantially altered insecticidal properties is designed. Further, a method of making the engineered Cry I Ba proteins and methods of using the ecry1Ba nucleic acid sequences, for example in transgenic plants to express eCry1B proteins to confer protection from insect damage are disclosed.
