Detection of Bacillus thuringiesis from soils obtained from Kabale District, Western Uganda

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis is a ubiquitous, rodshaped, gram positive and spore forming bacterium. Today it’s of importance as its wellknown for its insecticidal properties.it has diverse genetic existence in different geographical areas. This study aimed at establishing the occurrence of Bt in different points and determining where it was most common in Kabale district, Western Uganda. A cross sectional study was carried out where 33 soil samples were collected from different locations that were least or not disturbed with agricultural activities. Soils from forests/bushes, under trees and banana plantations were collected. The Bt bacteria isolation, characterization and identification were conducted at CDL morphological and microscopic examination. It was established that out of 33 soil samples, Bt isolates were identified were see to occur in 14 (42.4%) samples. The distribution of Bt from the di forests/bushes were 6 (42.9%), under trees were 6 (42.9%) and banana plantations were 2 (14.3%) however this was not statistically significant. It was concluded that Bt was ubiquitous as it was isolated from different locations.