Endophytic ability of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis strain VKK-BB2: new horizons for the development of novel insect pest-resistant crops

Abstract Background Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is the key pest of brinjal that causes a significant yield loss. Farmers spray wide range insecticides right from vegetative stage till last harvesting to protect crop notorious BSFB, which leads pesticide residue insecticide resistance problems. To overcome this, now focus has shifted bio pesticides but their commercial application limited due susceptibility abiotic factors. these bottlenecks, hidden ecological role played by entomopathogenic bacteria as endophytes was sought. The control pests establishment potential an endophyte alternative method management may contribute reduce or eliminate use pesticides. Results Present study describes colonization green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged native Bacillus thuringiensis strain VKK-BB2 (BtVKK-BB2) in plants. Seeds seedlings were inoculated with gfp -tagged BtVKK-BB2 cells through seed treatment, soil drenching foliar spray. After inoculation bacterium could be re-isolated all parts plant. Presence within leaves confirmed amplification cry gene Bt colonies shoot. Leaves taken colonized plants able cause mortality when fed neonates . Conclusions Establishment plants, accompanied production Cry proteins opens new horizons for development novel pest-resistant crops transgenic crops. However, further explored against larval herbivores especially internal borers enhance its biocontrol endophytic mediation open set strategies insect sustainable way. Graphical