Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXVI, Issue 1
Written by Daniel-Nicolae COJANU, Oana-Alina BOIU-SICUIA, Ana-Maria ANDREI, Călina Petruţa CORNEA
Bacillus spp. gained worldwide recognition and continues to be both a benchmark in biological control and also an important source of biological material for future genetic approaches. Although predominant bioinsecticidal toxins are derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) varieties, there are several other virulence factors associated with different Gram-positive bacteria, as well as with Gram-negatives. Identifying the best strains with entomopathogenic activity ensures a high success of pests’ biocontrol products. Moreover, detecting virulence factor genes in entomopathogenic bacteria can suggest general host pest spectrum. However, recently found toxins with entomopathogenic activity identified throughout the bacterial kingdom in other species than Bt, can broaden our knowledge regarding insect pest management. This review aims to analyse the status of bacterial based bioinsecticides focusing on Bt varieties accepted as active ingredients in EU commercial pesticides, listing other potential entomopathogenic bacteria, and describing the genetic virulence factors against arthropod and nematode pests.
[Read full article] [Citation]
