The use of Bacillus thuringiensis to control plant-parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are ubiquitous in nature and cause large losses in agriculture. The current concerns regarding the use of chemical pesticides have increased the interest in new control alternatives. One of these is the one based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These Gram-positive bacteria have the ability to synthesize pesticide proteins during sporulation. Some of these proteins have nematicidal properties. Studies have shown that preparations of certain strains of Bt can prevent or slow down the infestation of phytonematodes. The expression of some Bt nematicidal genes in transgenic plants has also demonstrated their effectiveness. Bt is nowadays an effective ecological alternative for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes.