S.B. LANJEWAR, M. MUSADDIQ AND N.G.V. RAO
Abstract
The current and future widespread deployment of transgenic crops expressing Baciliu5 thuringiensis (Bt) toxins has generated concern about the rapid development of insect resistance. The activity of Bt proteins has spurred a renewed effort to develop a useful alternative. In recent years, several novel insecticidal proteins have been discovered in Photorhabdus luminescens. The bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae is a symbiont of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis species. Photorhabdus species have been the subject of intense study by agricultural scientists because of the role played by these bacteria in controlling the insect pests. The bacteria during its growth on culture media secrete insecticidal toxin proteins. Considering the ability of Photorhabdus luminescens to grow on cheap agro industrial by-product viz., button mushroom stalks, a media was deviced that supports good growth of Photorhabdus luminescens and was economically sound. The media thus formulated for the production of Photorhabdus luminescens would be a good alternative and highly valuable for reducing the production cost of the biopesticide. INTRODUCTION Growth in vitro is probably supported by the rik .