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Morphological diversity and toxicity of delta-endotoxin produced by various strains of Bacillus thuringiensis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Tipvadee Attathom*
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Wiboon Chongrattanameteekul
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Jariya Chanpaisang
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Ratchanee Siriyan
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
*
Dr Tipvadee Attaathom, Department of Entomology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.

Abstract

Local isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis were isolated from infected rice stemborers, soils, rice bran and rice mill dust. Of 83 isolates serotyped by B. thuringiensis H-antisera, 13 serotypes were identified. Those serotypes were assigned to B. thuringiensis of subspecies canadensis, galleriae, kenyae, kurstaki, neoleonensis, aizawai, alesti, entomocidus, tochigiensis and tolworthi. Three serotypes, 3a:3c:3d, 5a:5b/21 and 17/27, were unnamed and portend to be new subspecies. Morphological studies of delta-endotoxin or crystal protein of each subspecies showed significant differences in size and shape. Bipyramidal crystals, spherical and cuboidal crystals and the combinations of these structures were observed. Toxicity of sporulated cultures and isolated crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis strains to five species of economically important insects were determined using diet incorporation bioassays. Extracted crystal proteins from certain B. thuringiensis subspecies were highly toxic to some insect species. These have the potential of providing alternative strategies for utilizing B. thuringiensis for controlling insects.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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