Bacillus thuringiensis strain ATCC 10792

Bacillus thuringiensis strain ATCC 10792 is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that exhibits facultative anaerobic characteristics, allowing it to thrive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. It is mesophilic, indicating an optimal growth temperature range typically between 20°C and 45°C. The strain is motile, equipped with flagella that facilitate its movement. B. thuringiensis ATCC 10792 possesses a unique genetic structure with four replicons, which may play a role in its adaptability and metabolic versatility. It has a single membrane and is categorized as free-living, indicating that it can exist independently in various environments. The strain is associated with several hosts, including plants such as Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), as well as various insect species across the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera, among others. This bacterium is known for its pathogenicity to animals and insects, with documented health effects including septicemia and pitted keratolysis in humans. Its ability to sporulate enhances its survival in adverse conditions, allowing it to persist in the environment until favorable growth conditions arise. Ecologically, B. thuringiensis ATCC 10792 plays a significant role in biological pest control, as it can target specific insect pests while being harmless to plants and other animals. This specificity makes it a valuable agent in agricultural practices, contributing to sustainable pest management strategies.