Bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an omnipresent, spore-forming soil bacterium that is distinguished by the production of proteins, which are active on a wide range of insect pests. The potential of Bt to be utilized as an insecticidal spray was perceived in the mid-twentieth century and since that time numerous Bt-based biopesticides have been marketed. The approach of molecular biology made it possible to make plants to express the genes coding for proteins, which protect the plants from the pests. The first Bt crop was commercialized in 1996, and today all the biotech crops including Bt crops are planted in an area of 190.4 million hectares in 29 countries. Development of Bt crops is a lengthy and costly process that may take about 13 years with an expense of $136 million. The procedure of getting endorsements by government administrative organizations is among the most basic in the later phases of the advancement procedure and takes about 25% of all the expenses in bringing a Bt crop to the market. In spite of the cutting edges over the chemical insecticides, insects are able to develop resistance against Bt crops. Insect resistance management is another challenge that has to be addressed for sustaining the benefits of Bt crops. The genome editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9 and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are much useful for understanding resistance mechanisms and also to improve the properties of Bt through genetic manipulation and aid in their biocontrol applications.