Characterization of native Bacillus thuringiensis strains and selection of an isolate active against Spodoptera frugiperda and Peridroma saucia

ÁLVAREZ, ANALÍA; VIRLA, EDUARDO; PERA, LICIA MARÍA; BAIGORI, MARIO DOMINGO

BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS

SPRINGER

Año: 2009 vol. 31 p. 1899 - 1903

0141-5492

Twelve Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains, isolated from larvae and soil samples in Argentina, were molecularly and phenotypically characterized and their insecticidal activities against Spodoptera frugiperda and Peridroma saucia were determined. One isolate—Bt RT—produced more than 93% mortality on first instar larvae of both species, which was higher than that produced by the reference strain Bt 4D1. Bt RT carried a different cry gene profile than Bt 4D1. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of bipyramidal and cuboidal crystals. Phenotypic characterization revealed lytic enzymes that could contribute to Bt pathogenicity.