Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 141-153 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 150 8.2 Agricultural and environmental applications Beyond pest control, Bt has several other applications in agriculture and environmental management. Bt strains have been shown to possess plant growth-promoting properties, acting as biofertilizers. These strains can solubilize phosphate, produce siderophores, and produce phytohormones, which enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake (Gomis-Cebolla and Berry, 2023). Bt also exhibits antagonistic activity against various plant pathogens, including fungi and bacteria, making it a valuable agent in integrated pest management (IPM) systems (Subbanna et al., 2019). Bt has been used in bioremediation efforts to degrade environmental pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides. For instance, Bt Berliner has demonstrated the ability to biodegrade the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin, highlighting its potential in reducing environmental contamination (Birolli et al., 2021). The versatility of Bt extends to the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and production of biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates, which have applications in biotechnology and environmental sustainability (Jouzani et al., 2017). 8.3 Future research directions Future research on Bt should focus on several key areas to enhance its applications and address emerging challenges. One promising direction is the exploration of Bt's potential in medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. Parasporins, a class of proteins produced by Bt, have shown cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, indicating their potential as anticancer agents (Santos et al., 2021). Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms of action and evaluate their efficacy in vivo. Another critical area is the development of new Bt strains with improved insecticidal properties and broader pest spectra. Advances in genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, could be employed to engineer Bt strains with enhanced toxin production and resistance to environmental stresses (Patel et al., 2015). Additionally, understanding the ecological interactions and long-term impacts of Bt applications in natural ecosystems is essential to ensure environmental safety and sustainability (Belousova et al., 2021). Continued monitoring and assessment of resistance development in target pest populations will be crucial for maintaining the efficacy of Bt-based biopesticides. Lastly, integrating Bt applications with other biological control agents and IPM strategies will further enhance its role in sustainable agriculture. 9 Concluding Remarks This study has provided a comprehensive overview of the phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains, highlighting the genetic relationships and divergence among these important biocontrol agents. Key findings include the significant genetic diversity among Bt strains, which is largely influenced by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and recombination events. These processes contribute to the adaptability and ecological success of Bt by enabling the acquisition of new insecticidal toxin genes and other beneficial traits. Phylogenetic analyses using various genetic markers, such as MLST and whole-genome sequencing, have revealed complex evolutionary relationships within Bt strains, often showing close genetic ties with other Bacillus species like B. cereus. The role of plasmids in gene transfer and the impact of recombination on genetic diversity have been underscored, illustrating the dynamic genomic landscape of Bt. Furthermore, the study has highlighted the applications of Bt in agriculture and environmental management, emphasizing its use as a biopesticide and its potential in bioremediation and plant growth promotion. Continued phylogenetic research on Bt is crucial for several reasons. It enhances our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that drive the diversification and adaptability of Bt strains. This knowledge is essential for developing new and more effective Bt-based biopesticides that can overcome pest resistance and expand the range of target pests. Phylogenetic studies also provide insights into the genetic basis of toxin production and other beneficial traits, which can be harnessed to improve the efficacy and safety of Bt applications. Phylogenetic research helps in the accurate classification and identification of Bt strains, which is vital for regulatory purposes and for ensuring the consistency and reliability of biopesticide products. Understanding the genetic relationships
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