Inspired by Nature: Fighting Pests With Friendly Bacteria

Abstract

The starting point of this story is an imaginary garden. Within this garden we find plants, insects, and Bacillus thuringiensis, a friendly type of bacteria that helps humans in the fight against different pests. These bacteria are quite successful in nature, partly due to their ability to go into “sleep mode” when the conditions are not good for them, and their production of powerful weapons that help them survive. This article will tell you about these fascinating features, and we will explain how humans can use the weapons of these bacteria for environmentally friendly crop-protection strategies. Some of B. thuringiensis’s weapons may also help in the fight against certain dangerous parasites that infect humans and animals. Investigations of bacteria and their weapons can inspire us to find novel solutions for current challenges in agriculture and health.