Isolation and identification of Bacillus thuringiensis strains native of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) produces a group of ?-endotoxin proteins designated as cry toxins. No doubt that isolates are excellent potential candidates for biological control strategies. Results The present study showed 12 strains were isolated and characterized at morphological, biochemical, molecular levels. All the tested gram-positive, endospore-forming, possessing typical crystal structures under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Universal primers direct reverse five pairs used to detect Cry -type genes Cry1 , Cry2 Cry3 Cry4 Cry7 Cry8 by PCR sizes produced from studied strains. 16S rRNA technique, gene primer, DNA template, dNTPs, Taq polymerase unique distinguishable restriction patterns characterization Based on products, frequency -gene distribution among w 100%, 85%, 62%, was 54%. activity insecticidal strains, Bt1 Bt9 Bt10 Bt11 extremely pathogenic; their pathogenicity ranged 93 100% against dipteran lepidopteran larvae, compared other isolates. nucleotide sequences amplified 1500 bp conserved region four blasted using NCBI database sequences, they reported native showing high homology with known (99–100%). placed in GenBank accession numbers MN860017, MN843958, MN843959, MN843960, respectively. Conclusion strategies enhancing sustainability crops vegetables targeted large number pathogenic insects require great effort exploring novel species . Herein, documented eastern province Saudi Arabia displayed bio-insecticidal action larvae Diptera Lepidoptera.