Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 183-192 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 183 Research Insight Open Access Impact of Bt Applicatins on Soil Micrbial Cmmunities Jianjun Wang, Xueming Zhang, Hongwei Liu Modern Agricultural Research Center , Cuixi Academy of Biotechology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: hongwei.liu@cuixi.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0019 Received: 16 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 25 Jul., 2024 Published: 15 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J.J., Zhang X.M., and Liu H.W., 2024, Impact of Bt applicatins on soil micrbial cmmunities, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(4): 183-192 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0019) Abstract This study investigates the impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) applications on soil microbial communities, focusing on enzymatic activities, microbial diversity, and potential ecological risks. The findings indicate that Bt crop cultivation significantly alters soil enzymatic activities, with increases in dehydrogenase and urease activities, while neutral phosphatase activity decreases. Seasonal variations and differences between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were observed, but Bt maize did not generally change microbial populations or community activities. Bt proteins released into the soil through various plant residues can affect soil microbial diversity and physical-chemical properties. However, the presence of Bt proteins in earthworms showed no deleterious effects on their growth and reproduction. Environmental factors were found to have a more significant impact on microbial communities than Bt traits. The application of Bt crops and proteins can influence soil microbial communities and enzymatic activities, but the overall ecological risks appear to be minimal under field conditions. Continuous monitoring and comprehensive biosafety evaluations are recommended to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bt applications in agriculture. Keywords Bacillus thuringiensis; Soil microbial communities; Enzymatic activities; Ecological risks; Bt crops; Microbial diversity 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium known for its production of insecticidal proteins, particularly Cry and Cyt toxins, during sporulation. These proteins have been extensively utilized in agriculture due to their specificity and effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests, including lepidopteran, coleopteran, and dipteran larvae (Sanahuja et al., 2011; Sanchis and Bourguet, 2011; Liu, 2024). Bt's application in agriculture primarily involves the use of Bt transgenic plants and Bt biopesticides. Transgenic crops expressing Bt genes have been developed to provide inherent pest resistance, significantly reducing the need for chemical pesticides and contributing to higher crop yields (Sanahuja et al., 2011; Li et al., 2022). Additionally, Bt biopesticides are used as topical sprays to control pest populations, further highlighting the bacterium's versatility and importance in integrated pest management strategies (Sanchis and Bourguet, 2011). Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and functionality. These communities are involved in essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure maintenance. They also contribute to plant health by promoting growth and protecting against pathogens (Almeida et al., 2021; Gomis-Cebolla and Berry, 2023). The introduction of Bt proteins into the soil environment, whether through transgenic plants or biopesticides, raises concerns about potential impacts on these vital microbial communities. Understanding how Bt applications affect soil microbial diversity and activity is essential for assessing the long-term sustainability and environmental safety of Bt-based agricultural practices (Li et al., 2019; 2022). This study explores the impact of Bt applications on soil microbial communities, aiming to assess the effects of Bt proteins, released through transgenic plants and biopesticides, on soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity. It also evaluates the potential ecological risks associated with the persistence and bioactivity of Bt proteins in the soil environment. Furthermore, the study provides a comprehensive review of current research findings on the interactions between Bt applications and soil microbial communities, highlighting knowledge gaps and future
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