Studies on the Distribution of Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolated from Arable Soil in Keffi and Its Toxicity Against Mosquito Larvae

• Author(s): A. U. Suleiman ; M. D. Makut; J. E. Owuna
• Paper ID: 1713503
• Page: 800-805
• Published Date: 12-01-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 7 January-2026

Abstract

Plant pests and diseases affect 20%–40% of food production globally. Inadequate use of chemical pesticides to control pests has increased selection pressure, resulting in insect resistance and affects soil fertility. To resolve these issues, a new form of pest control is desperately needed. Most of the micro-organisms are capable of surviving in almost all sorts of environments. In the present scenario, development of diseases, resistanct varieties, and chemical pesticide resistance are a few major hurdles for insect pest management. Over the past two decades, biopesticides provide 1% of total plant protection worldwide; about 175 biopesticide compounds and 700 biopesticide products have already existed in the market globally. Entomotoxic microorganisms are becoming very effective as biocontrol agents of different pest and used as alternative to chemical pesticides. This study is aimed at distribution of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from arable soil in Keffi and its toxicity against Mosquito larvae. Soil samples were collected using a clean spoon and inserted into sterile polythene bags from 30 different arable lands in Keffi. Isolation and identification of the bacteria was carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Light microscopy showed the presence of parasporal bodies produced by the isolates. Molecular identification was carried out using 16sRNA polymerase chain reaction method. Mosquito larvae were collected by allowing water containers filled with water to remain in an open space thereby facilitating laying of eggs by mosquitoes. The mean Standard deviation of the bacteria ranges from 1.2 × 10 2 cfu/g to 11.2 ×103 cfu/g. The overall occurrence of Bacillus thuringiensis in this study was 40.0%. The highest isolates were isolated from arable soil collected from Nasarawa road while the lowest with occurrence of 17.0% was isolated from arable soil from Nasarawa State University (main campus). Arable soil where maize was grown had the highest number of isolates.The highest mean Standard deviation of the bacterial load was from Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from Nasarawa road and the lowest mean standard deviation was from Nasarawa state university (Main campus). Crystal proteins detected from Bacillus thuringiensis isolates were Cry 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 11. Cry 1, Cry 2 and Cry 11 were the most abundantly detected crystal protein genes among the isolates. The detection of these cry genes was carried out using a PCR technique. All the 12 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates in the study were toxic to the larvae of mosquitoes and therefore could be adopted as a form of biopesticide and consequently used in controlling mosquito breeding and other pests of economic importance.

Citations

IRE Journals:
A. U. Suleiman , M. D. Makut, J. E. Owuna "Studies on the Distribution of Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolated from Arable Soil in Keffi and Its Toxicity Against Mosquito Larvae" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 7 2026 Page 800-805

IEEE:
A. U. Suleiman , M. D. Makut, J. E. Owuna "Studies on the Distribution of Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolated from Arable Soil in Keffi and Its Toxicity Against Mosquito Larvae" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(7)