Bacillus Thuringiensis: An Environmental Biopesticide - Theory and Practice

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has attracted the attention of both microbiologists and entomologists for the greater part of this century. Its unique capacity to synthesize insecticidal protein crystals has spurred investigations into its use as a natural biological control agent in agriculture, forestry and human health for the elimination of disease vectors. Recently, research activity into the molecular and genetic make-up of this bacterial group has intensified, leading to a comprehensive understanding of toxin gene control and expression, the structure and function of the toxin molecule itself, improved efficiency of biocontrol formulations, knowledge of the ecology of the bacteria and the construction of more effective toxins and delivery systems. Observing the progression in the field of Bt research both at the molecular level and as ecologists concerned with biological control, it seemed fitting by early 1990 that an international symposium should be held. Such a meeting was organized in Oxford in the summer of 1991. This first international Bt conference brought together research scientists from both universities and commerce, scientists whose backgrounds ranged from microbial and entomological ecology to molecular biology and protein crystallography. Although not intended as a proceedings of the conference, the contributions to this book were drawn from the key speakers at the meeting.

Table of Contents:
The challenge of Bacillus thuringiensis, K. van Frankenhuyzen; diversity of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and genes, D. Lereclus et al; domain-function studies on Bacillus thuringiensis crystal proteins - a genetic approach, B. Visser et al; transgenic bacteria, viruses, algae and other micro-organisms as Bacillus thuringiensis delivery systems, W. Gelrnter and G.E. Schwab; the engineering of plants to express thuringiensis delta-endotoxins, S. Ely; control of lepidopteran pests with Bacillus thuringiensis, A. Navon; use of Bacillus thuringiensis isrealensis against mosquitoes and blackflies, N. Becker and J. Margalit; control of coleopteran pests by Bacillus thuringiensis, B. Keller and G.A. Langenbruch; Bacillus thuringiensis in the environment - ecology and risk assessment, M.P. Meadows; resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis and resistance management, P.G. Marrone and S.C. MacIntosh; the use of Bacillus thuringiensis in developing countries, H.S. Salama and O.N. Morris; production of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides for experimental and commercial uses, K. Bernhard and R. Utz.