Environmental Distribution, Frequency and Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis in Syria
Journal Title: Annual Research & Review in Biology - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 2
Abstract
Aims: Bacillus thuringiensis is distinguished by its production of proteinaceous parasporal inclusion bodies during sporulation, which when ingested by susceptible insects, are activated in the midgut into toxins. B. thuringiensis can be isolated from numerous sources; however, there has been no recorded isolation of B. thuringiensis strains from Syria. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the distribution, frequency and toxicity of B. thuringiensis isolated from different ecosystems in Syria. Study Design: This study describes the first isolation of the entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis in Syria. Place and Duration of Study: Scientific Agriculture Research Center in Lattakia, Syria, 2011-2012. Methodology: B. thuringiensis was isolated from soil samples collected from twenty different ecosystem-sites. The characterization of B. thuringiensis isolates was performed using morphological examination of colony morphology and formation of parasporal inclusion bodies. The crystal morphology of B. thuringiensis was observed by scanning electron microscopy. A bioassay was done to test the efficacy of B. thuringiensis against Galleria mellonella. Results: Forest, beach and cultivated soils had more B. thuringiensis strains than uncultivated and interior arid soils. The frequency of B. thuringiensis was partially dependant on organic matter and pH content of the soil. A total of 65% of the isolates was found to be toxic to G. mellonella. The most toxic isolate of B. thuringiensis was obtained from cultivated area and produced bipyramidal, cuboidal and rectangular inclusions. Conclusion: The comparison of the distribution of B. thuringiensis in different ecosystems might lead to a better understanding of the ecology of this organism. It is widespread in diverse environments including beaches and uncultivated soils. The presence of organic matter increases the population of B. thuringiensis in soils, suggesting that the bacteria have parasitic and saprophytic properties that let them to multiply both inside and outside insects' bodies.
Authors and Affiliations
M. Meihiar, F. Al-Zyoud, K. Amer
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP353542
- DOI 10.9734/ARRB/2015/11565
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
Effect of Water on the Growth of Different Types of Propagation Stocks of Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) Grown on Nursery in Toumodi, Central Region of Côte d'ivoire
Lippia multiflora is used for its therapeutic properties in spite of this it remains a wild plant and therefore runs a risk of extinction which would cause an imbalance of the ecosystem. For the effective domestication o...
Sero-prevalence of Dengue IgM Antibodies in Patients Suspected of having Dengue Fever
Background: Dengue virus infection is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s emerging infectious disease. In recent decades, dengue fever has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical...
Time-kill Study of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Stinging Nettle on Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC CRM-6633 Strain NRS 231
Aims: This work investigated the antibacterial activity of selected ethyl acetate extract of Urtica dioica against Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC® CRM-6633™ Strain NRS 231 (subtilin producer) based on the time-...
Impact of Experimental Development of Arterial Hypertension and Dyslipidemia on Intravascular Activity of Rats’ Platelets
Great interest is shown by researchers to functional and rheological features of basic regular blood elements. Platelets are among them and take the most active part in hemostasis at rather wide-spread nowadays cardio-va...
Physiological Features of Hemostasis in Newborn Calves Receiving Ferroglukin, Fosprenil and Hamavit, for Iron Deficiency
Newborn calves still often suffer from iron deficiency. This state damages their growth and development - to some extent, due to the development of pathological changes in hemostasis. Thereby, both veterinary science and...