Distribution of cryl, cryll and cryV Genes within Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates from Spain

Summary Using a PCR-based approach, a collection of 223 isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis from Spain was screened for the presence of cry genes belonging to three families. Genes from the cryI , cryII and cryV families were found in 54%, 42%, and 66% of the isolates, respectively. Only 23% of the isolates did not show the presence of any of the genes tested. Frequencies of these genes were compared in isolates from soil samples and from samples of cereal stores and mills, being this higher in the latter. Specific primers were used to detect cryIA(a), cryIA(b), cryIA(c), cryIA(d), cryIA(e), cryIB, cryIC, cryID, cryIE, cryIF and cryIG genes. Within the cryI family, the most frequent gene was…