Bacillus thuringiensis as a biofertilizer in crops and their implications in the control of phytopathogens and insect pests.

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a spore-forming bacterium that produces insecticidal proteins and other virulence factors and is considered one of the most successful bioinsecticides available to control pests in agriculture. Currently, some Bt strains have been reported as endophyte or rhizospheric bacteria. Little is known about the implications of plant-Bt interaction in crop protection. Here, we review if Bt can establish as an endophyte/rhizobacterium and evaluate if Bt as an endophyte/rhizobacterium can simultaneously act against different phytopathogens (fungi, bacteria, insects and viruses) plus promote plant growth. Although Bt produce an arsenal of proteins with toxic effects against insect, the current knowledge suggests that Bt can be considered as a promising new plant growth promotion bacterium (PGPB). The implications of the proposed review will broaden our understanding of Bt as a versatile entomopathogen that may be able to exhibit differential behavior depending on context. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.