Molecular characterization of the chitinase genes of native Bacillus thuringiensis isolates and their antagonistic activity against three important phytopathogenic fungi

Bacillus spp. can promote the growth of plants and reduce plant disease incidence or severity by triggering induced systemic resistance to pathogens. In addition, bacteria this genus are chitinase enzyme producers. Chitinase inhibits fungi breaking down chitin-containing cell wall pathogenic fungi. study, 270 native spp., isolated from various habitats in Kayseri Adana, Turkey, were screened PCR for gene 66 them found have gene. Nine thuringiensis (Bt) isolates showing high insecticidal activity against insect pests our previous studies selected containing Chitinases with different molecular weights ranging ~ 40 113 kDa determined SDS-PAGE. To determine antagonistic effects (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum, Verticillium dahliae Aspergillus niger), a dual culture assay was used nine two standard strains Bt, radial inhibition calculated as percentage. Of all tested isolates, SY33.3 showed strongest thus, be an effective biological control agent