Bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most successful commercial biopesticide in the biological control market, due to the wide diversity of isolated and identified strains, the spectrum of action that it covers against entomological pests or public health vectors, and the successful possibility of its massive reproduction with the use of different technologies, among other aspects. This chapter aims at reporting the processes and the parameters for fermentation of Bt with industrial technologies, as well as other aspects of formulation, quality control, and commercialization. The fermentation parameters must be carefully monitored for safety in terms of progress and maintenance of productivity on the kind of substrate, on the flow process or the types of final product aimed. Different tests are carried out to guarantee purity, viability, and efficacy of bioinsecticides. Downstream process and formulation are other critical stages in the development of the productive process, because the quality of the final product can be reduced if these steps are not properly applied. The use of Bt-based products in Latin American countries depends more on political and economic aspects than on technological approaches. The evolution in the market of Bt is determined by the growing need for healthy food, the high demand in controlling pests not only for agriculture but also for human health, and the possibilities of application with the new biotechnological advances.

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