Though pesticides have revolutionized farming, the devastating effects of chemical pesticides are well known and in an effort to cut down on the use of chemical pesticides, scientists have hit upon the idea of using other smaller organisms as natural pesticides. |
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It has been found that a certain molecule present in roundworms makes them susceptible to Bacillus thuringiensis toxin, or Bt toxin, a pesticide produced by bacteria. This toxin is widely used in organic farming and gardening to ward off insect pests.
A study published in the journal ‘Science’ talks about the structure of a molecule to which Bt attaches, or "binds," in the inner lining of the intestines of insects and roundworms. The molecule is a lipid attached to a tree-like arrangement of sugars and is called a glycolipid. Researchers believe that the new discovery of changes in sugars which help the Bt to bind will make it possible to make better pesticides and open up newer grounds for treatments of parasitic infections.
The roundworm is now also being genetically modified to help find and characterize the structure of the long sought-after Bt receptor. This will aid in detecting and monitoring insect populations in fields.
This and many more researches are on in many parts of the world to minimize the ill-effects of the chemical world. Though pesticides are seen as a normal way to keep insects off plants, it has it own side effects. Unless these side effects are countered effectively, it can cause health problem, roundworms being one of them.
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