Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces proteins harmful to certain insects. When insects like caterpillars or beetles ingest Bt, these proteins attack their gut cells, causing them to stop functioning and leading to the insect's death. Bt is used as a biological pesticide because it targets specific pests without harming most other insects, animals, or humans. It has been a valuable tool in agriculture for controlling pest populations sustainably, reducing the need for chemical insecticides, and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.