The use of Bacillus thuringiensis to
control plant-parasitic nematodes

Bel Y, Galeano M, Baños-Salmeron M. Escriche B.

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are ubiquitous in nature and cause large losses in agriculture.
The current concerns regarding the use of chemical pesticides have increased the interest in
new control alternatives. One of these is the one based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These
Gram-positive bacteria have the ability to synthesize pesticide proteins during sporulation. Some
of these proteins have nematicidal properties. Studies have shown that preparations of certain
strains of Bt can prevent or slow down the infestation of phytonematodes. The expression of
some Bt nematicidal genes in transgenic plants has also demonstrated their eff ectiveness. Bt is
nowadays an eff ective ecological alternative for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes.