Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 65-75 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 65 Research Perspective Open Access Sustainable Production and Application of Bt Biopesticides FuminGao Hainan Tropical Agricultural Resources Research Institute, Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: fumin.gao@hitar.org Bt Research, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0007 Received: 16 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 10 Mar., 2024 Published: 29 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Gao, 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: Gao F.M., 2024, Sustainable production and application of Bt biopesticides, Bt Research, 15(2): 65-75 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0007) Abstract Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium widely used in biological control of pests. Bt biopesticides are considered important tools for combating agricultural pests due to their ability to produce crystalline proteins with insecticidal activity. Compared with traditional chemical pesticides, Bt biopesticides have higher specificity and are mainly targeted at specific pest groups, while having less impact on humans and other non-target organisms. The widespread use of chemical pesticides has not only led to the increase of pest resistance, but also caused serious impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, the development and optimization of Bt biopesticides can not only reduce the use of chemicals, but also help maintain ecological balance and improve the quality and yield of crops. This study comprehensively analyzes the production technology, genetic engineering improvement methods, and application strategies of Bt biopesticides to improve their efficiency and application range. By exploring the fermentation process, formulation stability, industrial production, and strain enhancement characteristics of Bt biopesticides through genetic engineering, this study aims to provide a comprehensive improvement plan to provide a scientific basis for future research directions and policy formulation Keywords Bt biopesticides; Genetic engineering; Integrated pest management; Environmental impact; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive bacterium widely recognized for its insecticidal properties, primarily due to the production of crystal (Cry) proteins during sporulation. These proteins are toxic to a variety of insect pests, making Bt a valuable biopesticide in sustainable agriculture (Wafa et al., 2020; Kumar et al., 2021). Bt biopesticides have been utilized for decades, not only for their effectiveness in pest control but also for their environmental safety compared to chemical pesticides (Ballardo et al., 2017). The bacterium's insecticidal proteins, including Cry and Cyt proteins, target specific insect species, reducing the risk to non-target organisms and minimizing environmental impact (Kumar et al., 2021; Li et al., 2022). The sustainable production and application of Bt biopesticides are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, the overuse of chemical pesticides has led to significant environmental issues, including soil and water pollution, and the development of pest resistance (Wafa et al., 2020). Bt biopesticides offer a more environmentally friendly alternative, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals and promoting ecological balance. Additionally, sustainable production methods, such as solid-state fermentation using biowaste digestate (Rosas-García, 2009), can enhance the economic viability and environmental benefits of Bt biopesticides (Li et a.., 2011). Furthermore, integrating Bt biopesticides with other pest management strategies, such as chemical insecticides, can improve efficacy and delay resistance development in pest populations (Wafa et al., 2020). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable production and application of Bt biopesticides, summarizes the historical development and current application of Bt biopesticides in agriculture; evaluates the environmental and ecological impacts of Bt biopesticides, including their effects on non-target organisms and soil microbial communities; explores the potential of Bt biopesticides in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and their role in sustainable agriculture. By addressing these objectives, this study aims to highlight the importance of Bt biopesticides in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and identify future research directions to enhance their production and application.
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