Isolation and molecular characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki toxic to lepidopteran pests Spodoptera spp. and Plutella xylostella

Background Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been widely used as a biological control agent for lepidopteran pests. However, resistance to Bt is a major concern associated with Spodoptera spp. (Noctuidae) and Plutella xylostella (Plutellidae). For efficient control of Noctuidae and Plutellidae, novel Bt strains which have high toxicity and a broad host range are needed. Results To develop novel Bt strains as used for bio‐insecticides, the Bt IMBL‐B9 with high toxicity against Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and P. xylostella was isolated and characterized. The Bt kurstaki IMBL‐B9 strain produced bipyramidal and cuboidal crystals consisting of cry toxins with molecular weights of 130 and 65 kDa, respectively. This strain harbors eight crystal protein genes in total, including cry1Ea and one vegetative insecticidal protein gene. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of IMBL‐B9 against S. exigua and S. frugiperda were 21.8‐ and 19.3‐fold lower than those of the Bt kusrstaki strain, and 5.6‐ and 4.9‐fold lower than those of Bt aizawai strain, respectively. To evaluate the insecticidal activity of Cry proteins from IMBL‐B9, cry gene‐sourced recombinant Bt strains were constructed. These strains have insecticidal activity and synergic action against lepidopteran pests. Conclusion In this study, a novel Bt kurstaki IMBL‐B9 strain was isolated and this could be useful for the development of new bio‐insecticide or cry gene‐based recombinant products as an alternative solution against lepidopterans, including Noctuidae and Plutellidae. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. A novel Bt kurstaki IMBL‐B9 showed powerful toxicity to lepidopteran pests and recombinant Bt made by cry genes obtained from IMBL‐B9 improved insecticidal activity and showed synergism.