Survival and conjugal transfer between Bacillus thuringiensis strains in aquatic environment

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the survival of cells and spores and plasmid transfer between Bacillus thuringienis strains in a quatic environment. Results indicated that cells and spores of B. thuringie nsis can survive for 10 days in water, without altering their number. The s porulation process began after 12-15 hours of inoculation of water. B. thur ingiensis was able to transfer conjugative plasmids in the aquatic environm ent.