Molecular characterisation of Bacillus thuringiensis strain MEB4 highly toxic to the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Background: Cry2 proteins play an essential role in current Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) applications and in the prevention of insect resistance to Cry1A toxins. This paper reports on the screening and characterisation of novel Bt strains harbouring effective cry2A-type genes and higher insecticidal activity to Ephestia kuehniella.

Results: A total of 29 native Bt strains were screened to search for the potent strain against E.