Molecular and Toxicological Characterization of Indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis for Eco-Biocontrol of Spodoptera frugiperda in Corn Agroecosystems

Authors

  • Daniel Lantang

    Department of Biology, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura 99351, Indonesia
  • Rosye H. R. Tanjung

    Department of Biology, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura 99351, Indonesia
  • Daawia Suhartawan

    Department of Biology, Cenderawasih University, Jayapura 99351, Indonesia
  • Ester Rampa

    Department of Health Analysis, Jayapura University of Science and Technology, Jayapura 99351, Indonesia
  • Hendry Y. Nanlohy

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jayapura University of Science and Technology, Jayapura 99351, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i2.10102
Received: 19 March 2025 | Revised: 27 April 2025 | Accepted: 30 May 2025 | Published Online: 10 June 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the eco-biocontrol potential of indigenous isolates obtained from agricultural soils in Warbo Village, Papua, Indonesia, targeting the highly destructive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in corn agroecosystems. A total of 58 bacterial colonies were isolated, of which 18 were morphologically confirmed as Bacillus thuringiensis based on endospore and parasporal crystal protein characteristics. These isolates were cultured in Tryptose Phosphate Broth and tested for larvicidal activity against second-instar larvae under controlled conditions. Toxicity tests revealed that isolate 18 exhibited the highest efficacy, causing 100% larval mortality, followed by isolates 12 and 13 with 93.3%, confirming a strong entomopathogenic potential. The most toxic isolates were further verified by the presence of cry1F and cry2Aa genes through PCR analysis, indicating the molecular basis of their virulence. The innovation of this research lies in the combination of morphological, toxicological, and molecular characterizations of locally adapted Bacillus thuringiensis strains, which offers a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. These findings provide a scientific foundation for developing region-specific bioinsecticides, reducing dependence on synthetic inputs, and supporting sustainable pest management strategies in tropical corn production systems.

Keywords:

Bacillus thuringiensis; Soil; Plantation; Toxicity; Larvae; Fall Armyworm

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How to Cite

Lantang, D., Tanjung, R. H. R., Suhartawan, D., Rampa, E., & Nanlohy, H. Y. (2025). Molecular and Toxicological Characterization of Indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis for Eco-Biocontrol of Spodoptera frugiperda in Corn Agroecosystems. Research in Ecology, 7(2), 209–223. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i2.10102

Issue

Vol. 7, Iss. 2 (June 2025) (in progress)

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Articles

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Copyright © 2025 Daniel Lantang, Rosye H. R. Tanjung, Daawia Suhartawan, Ester Rampa, Hendry Y. Nanlohy

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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