Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 118-130 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 118 Research Insight Open Access Comparative Analysis of Plasmid Prfiles in Bt Islates from Different Habitats Yinghua Chen, Zhongqi Wu Institute of Life Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: Zhongqi.wu@jicat.org Bt Research, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/Bt.2024.15.0012 Received: 10 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 28 Apr., 2024 Published: 15 May., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Wu, 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: Chen Y.H., and Wu Z.Q., 2024, Comparative analysis of plasmid prfiles in Bt islates from different habitats, Bt Research, 15(3): 118-130 (doi: 10.5376/Bt.2024.15.0012) Abstract The study investigates the genetic diversity and plasmid profiles of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates collected from various ecological niches. Bt is a widely used biopesticide due to its insecticidal properties, which are largely attributed to the presence of plasmid-borne genes encoding Cry and Vip proteins. This research aims to compare the plasmid profiles of Bt isolates from different habitats to understand their genetic diversity and potential for biocontrol applications. The study utilized techniques such as whole genome sequencing, PCR amplification, and bioassays to characterize the isolates. Results revealed significant genetic diversity among the isolates, with multiple unique plasmid profiles identified. The findings suggest that different habitats harbor distinct Bt strains with varying plasmid compositions, which could be exploited for developing novel biopesticides. This comparative analysis enhances our understanding of Bt genetic diversity and its implications for sustainable pest management. Keywords Bacillus thuringiensis; Plasmid profiles; Genetic diversity; Biopesticides; Insecticidal proteinse 1 Introduction Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is widely recognized for its insecticidal properties. It produces parasporal crystal inclusions containing Cry proteins, which are toxic to a variety of insect larvae, particularly those of the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera (Dorsch et al., 2002; Singh et al., 2021). Bt has been extensively used as a biological control agent in agriculture to manage pest populations, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides (Paeket al., 2022). The bacterium's ability to produce a diverse array of Cry toxins, each targeting specific insect pests, makes it a versatile tool in integrated pest management programs (Wang et al., 2020). Plasmids play a crucial role in the genetic diversity and adaptability of Bt strains. They often carry genes encoding for insecticidal proteins, such as Cry and Vip toxins, which contribute to the bacterium's pathogenicity against insect pests (Wang et al., 2020). Understanding the plasmid profiles of Bt isolates can provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying their insecticidal properties and potential for resistance management. For instance, the coexistence of cry and vip genes on the same plasmid has been shown to enhance synergistic insecticidal activity, thereby delaying the development of resistance in target insect populations (Wang et al., 2020). Additionally, plasmid studies can aid in the identification and development of novel Bt strains with enhanced insecticidal properties, as demonstrated by the isolation and characterization of highly toxic Bt strains against specific pests (Park et al., 2022). The study aim to conduct a comparative analysis of plasmid profiles in Bt isolates from different habitats. By examining the diversity and distribution of plasmid-encoded insecticidal genes, we aim to elucidate the genetic factors contributing to the efficacy and adaptability of Bt strains. This study will also explore the potential applications of these findings in the development of new bio-insecticides and strategies for resistance management. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, provide a deeper understanding of the role of plasmids in shaping the insecticidal capabilities of Bt and their implications for sustainable pest control practices.
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