Assessment of toxic potential of local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis strains on Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. (Diptera) |
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| Authors: | I Saadoun F Al-Momani M Obeidat M Meqdam & A Elbetieha |
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| Institution: | Department of Applied Biology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. isaadoun@just.edu.jo |
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| Abstract: | AIMS: To assess the toxic potential of different local Jordanian Bacillus thuringiensis isolates on larvae of Drosophila melanogaster and Culex sp. METHODS AND RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical, bi-pyramidal, and bi-pyramidal and cuboidal parasporal bodies produced by the toxic isolates. Spherical inclusions dominated. The toxicity of the isolates to the two insects, determined using 24-well plates or vials, indicated that the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of the bacterial suspension for D. melanogaster and Culex sp. larvae varied from 4.60 to 8.65, and from 5.30 to 6.74, respectively. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the LC50 values of isolate 82 with those of the reference strain B. t. israelensis showed that this isolate has a higher toxicity potential. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Some local Jordanian B. thuringiensis isolates exhibit toxic potential that could be used to control some important pests, and could replace chemical pesticides. |
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