Production of -endotoxin by Bacillus thuringiensis as a function of glucose concentrations.

The insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis was cultured at different glucose concentrations. Size, protein content, and insecticidal activity of the parasporal inclusions, which are formed during the sporulation process, were measured. Increased glucose concentrations led to bigger crystalline inclusions with a higher content of protein and insecticidal activity. Maximum yields of protein and endotoxin were obtained in a semisynthetic medium that contained glucose concentrations of 6 to 8 g/liter.