Members of the MOABT project held a workshop on the use of bacteria and genes in crop protection.

During the 16^th editon of Expociència, held at the UV Science Park on Saturday, 11 May 2024, the New approaches to the mode of action of insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (MOABT) stood out with its interesting activity titled ‘Bacteria and its genes in crop protection’. This event gave the public a unique opportunity to get to know first hand the work that the University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine produces at the biotechnological pest control laboratory.

The main character of the activity was Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a bacteria recognised for producing specific toxins that fight against pest insects without harming the plants, humans nor the environment. This microorganism is presented as an effective alternative to the use of traditional chemical pesticides. During the workshop, the mechanisms through which the Bt genes can be transferred to plants were explained, creating insect resistant crops, known as cotton Bt and corn Bt. The activity also highlighted the global adoption of these biotechnological crops and their impact on sustainable agriculture.