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Bacillus thuringiensis: fermentation process and risk assessment. A short review
1Laboratório de Fermentações e Formulação, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Monitoramento e Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental, CNPMA/EMBRAPA, Jaguariúna, Brasil.
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Local production of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) offers a cost-effective pest control solution for developing nations. Semi-solid fermentation using agro-industrial by-products shows promise for small-scale production, pending regulatory development.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Microbial Pest Control
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) presents a viable, low-cost biological pest control option for developing countries.
- Local Bt production can significantly reduce reliance on expensive imported chemical and biological insecticides, saving foreign currency.
- Despite its potential, Bt use in Brazil lags behind chemical insecticides, though local research and development are ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of local Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) production for pest control in developing nations.
- To explore the application of different fermentation techniques, specifically submerged and semi-solid, using agro-industrial by-products.
- To address the regulatory and risk assessment challenges hindering the adoption of microbial biocontrol agents.
Main Methods:
- Investigated submerged and semi-solid fermentation processes for Bt endotoxin production.
- Utilized by-products from agro-industries as low-cost substrates for fermentation.
- Analyzed the potential for small-scale local production, particularly through semi-solid fermentation.
Main Results:
- Semi-solid fermentation proved to be a promising method for Bt endotoxin production, suitable for small-scale local manufacturing.
- The use of agro-industrial by-products offers an economical substrate base for Bt cultivation.
- Promising results were achieved, but national product registration is currently blocked by the lack of specific legislation for biological products.
Conclusions:
- Local production of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) via semi-solid fermentation is a viable and cost-effective strategy for pest management in developing countries.
- The development of specific legislation for biological products is crucial to enable the registration and widespread adoption of locally produced Bt.
- Further research and risk analysis are necessary to fully understand and mitigate potential environmental effects of microbial biocontrol agents, despite their generally recognized safety.