Characterization of Two Lytic Bacteriophages of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from Soil

Abstract

Two lytic bacteriophages for B. thuringiensis designated as TV-1 and TV-2 were isolated from a soil treated with the host becterium as an insecticide. TV-1 phage has a head with a hexagonal outline measuring approximately 40 nm in diameter. The tail sheath measures about 110 x 15 nm when extended and 45 X 15 nm when contracted. TV-2 phage has a head with a similar hexagonal outline but a flexible tail with no contractile sheath. The head of TV-2 phage is approximately 45 nm in diameter and the tail measures about 160 x 7 nm.

Other properties of these two phages were also determined. They included host range sensitivity, one-step growth characteristics, sensitivity to ultraviolet light, ultrasonic effect and thermal inactivation.