A novel strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (NCIMB 40152) active against coleopteran insects

Abstract A novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain, NCIMB 40152, was isolated from dead Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. The isolate is endowed with specific insecticide activity against the Colorado potato beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), Coleoptera, Crysomelidae), but has no effect against lepidopteran or dipteran insects. During the sporulation process it produces diamond-shaped crystals and small inclusions. Rare flat, square crystals are also produced. The strain can be differentiated from the other reported B. thuringiensis strains active against Coleoptera on the basis of physiological and biochemical tests, flagellar serotype and toxin electrophoretic patterns. NCIMB 40152 toxin is easily extractable from spore/ crystal preparations in neutral distilled water without detergents or reducing agents.