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The Phylloplane as a Source of Bacillus thuringiensis Variants
1Chemical and Agricultural Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois 60064.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Novel Bacillus thuringiensis variants were found on plant leaves, showing toxicity to insects. These findings suggest Bacillus thuringiensis is a common component of plant microflora.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Entomology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil bacterium known for its insecticidal properties.
- Its ecological role and prevalence in diverse environments are areas of ongoing research.
- Understanding Bt distribution is crucial for developing sustainable pest control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel Bacillus thuringiensis variants from plant phylloplanes.
- To assess the insecticidal activity of these isolates against Trichoplusia ni.
- To determine the diversity of Bt pathotypes present in these environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteria from the phylloplane of various plants (deciduous trees, conifer trees, and others).
- Bioassays to evaluate toxicity against Trichoplusia ni larvae.
- Immunoblotting and toxin protein analysis to identify Bt pathotypes.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of Bacillus thuringiensis variants from diverse plant phylloplanes.
- Demonstrated varying levels of toxicity of these isolates against Trichoplusia ni.
- Identification of strains representing key B. thuringiensis pathotypes targeting Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera larvae.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus thuringiensis is prevalent on the phylloplane of numerous plant species.
- The identified isolates possess significant insecticidal potential.
- Bt should be recognized as a common component of the leaf microflora, with implications for biological control.