What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to explore the pest control potential of Bacillus thuringiensis as an endophyte in tomato plants.

March 30, 2026Pest Management Science1 citationsOpen Access

Bacillus thuringiensis and its pest control potential as endophyte

MLMaria Giovanna De Luca GJGiovanni JesuDepartment of Agricultural Sciences DBDaniele BrunoUniversity of Insubria

Key Points

The research aims to explore the pest control potential of Bacillus thuringiensis as an endophyte in tomato plants.
Examined endophytic colonization of Bacillus thuringiensis in tomato plants
Assessed the fitness of S. littoralis larvae
Evaluated the sensitivity of larval stages to Bt spray applications and other biocontrol agents
Endophyte colonization significantly reduced the fitness of S. littoralis larvae
Larval stages showed increased sensitivity to both Bt sprays and other biocontrol agents
Findings suggest potential for sustainable pest management strategies using Bt

Abstract

This study demonstrates that endophytic colonization of tomato plants by Bt negatively affects S. littoralis fitness, making its larval stages also more sensitive to spray applications of Bt and, likely, to the action of other biocontrol agents. These findings open new perspectives for Bt use in sustainable pest management strategies. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

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