Insecticidal Toxin Useless Without 'Friendly' Bacteria Accomplices
Sunday, March 8, 2009 - 22:21
in Biology & Nature
The toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is a popular insecticide used to control pest moths and butterflies, and in some GM pest-proof crops. In a study published in BMC Biology, researchers show that its effectiveness against a number of susceptible Lepidopteran species depends on the presence of the normally "friendly" bacteria that colonize their guts. Without these bacteria, the Bt toxin can become impotent in some species.