Bacillus thuringiensis Spores and Cry3A Toxins Act Synergistically to Expedite Colorado Potato Beetle Mortality.

ABSTRACT: The insect integument (exoskeleton) is an effective physiochemical barrier that limits disease-causing agents to a few portals of entry, including the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. The bacterial biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) enters the insect host via the mouth and must thwart gut-based defences to make its way into the body cavity (haemocoel) and establish infection. We sought to uncover the main antibacterial defences of the midgut and the pathophysiological features of Bt in a notable insect pest, the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (CPB). Exposing the beetles to both Bt spores and their Cry3A toxins (crystalline δ-endotoxins) via oral inoculation led to higher mortality levels when compared to either spores or Cry3A toxins alone. Wi

SUBMITTER: Dubovskiy IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8624055 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature