Bacillus thuringiensis : a century of research, development and commercial applications
Universitat de Lleida · University of Warwick · +1 more institution
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil bacterium that forms spores during the stationary phase of its growth cycle. The spores contain crystals, predominantly comprising one or more Cry and/or Cyt proteins (also known as δ-endotoxins) that have potent and specific insecticidal activity. Different strains of Bt produce different types of toxin, each of which affects a narrow taxonomic group of insects. Therefore, Bt toxins have been used as topical pesticides to protect crops, and more recently the proteins have been expressed in transgenic plants to confer inherent pest resistance. Bt transgenic crops have been overwhelmingly successful and beneficial, leading to higher yields and reducing the use of chemical…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 21.55
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 75
Authors
5Topics & keywords
- Bacillus thuringiensis
- Biology
- Spore
- Genetically modified crops
- Pesticide
- PEST analysis
- Biotechnology
- Biopesticide