Multifunctional Properties of a Bacillus thuringiensis Strain (BST-122): Beyond the Parasporal Crystal

• Published in: Toxins Vol. 14; no. 11; p. 768
• Main Authors: Unzue, Argine, Caballero, Carlos J, Villanueva, Maite, Fernández, Ana Beatriz, Caballero, Primitivo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 07.11.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Bacillus thuringiensis; Bacillus thuringiensis - metabolism; Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins; Bacterial Proteins - metabolism; bioassays; Biocompatibility; Chitinase; Coleoptera; Crop diseases; Crops; Crystals; Deceleration; Economic impact; Endotoxins - metabolism; Fungi; Genes; Hemolysin Proteins - metabolism; Host range; multifunctional; Nematodes; Pathogens; Pest control; Pesticides; Pests; Phytopathogenic fungi; plant-parasitic nematode; Proteins; Spores; Toxicity; Toxicity testing; United States > US; Colorado; toxicity; multifunctional; bioassays; plant-parasitic nematode; Coleoptera; Bacillus thuringiensis; mite; phytopathogenic fungi
• ISSN: 2072-6651; 2072-6651
• DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110768

Chemical products still represent the most common form of controlling crop pests and diseases. However, their extensive use has led to the selection of resistances. This makes the finding of new solutions paramount to countering the economic losses that pests and diseases represent in modern agriculture. (Bt) is one of the most reliable alternatives to chemical-based solutions. In this study, we aimed to further expand the global applicability of Bt strains beyond their spores and crystals. To this end, we selected a new Bt strain (BST-122) with relevant toxicity factors and tested its activity against species belonging to different phyla. The spore and crystal mixture showed toxicity to coleopterans. Additionally, a novel Cry5-like protein proved active against the two-spotted spider mite. In vivo and plant assays revealed significant control of the parasitic nematode, . Surprisingly, our data indicated that the nematocidal determinants may be secreted. When evaluated against phytopathogenic fungi, the strain seemed to decelerate their growth. Overall, our research has highlighted the potential of Bt strains, expanding their use beyond the confinements of spores and crystals. However, further studies are required to pinpoint the factors responsible for the wide host range properties of the BST-122 strain.