Bacillus thuringiensis Sublethal Concentration Effectively Alter Cytogenetic Response of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae

) were isolated for further cytogenetic analysis. Consequently, Btk treatment markedly disrupted midgut cells, inducing micronuclei (MN) formation and reducing SfDnmt2 mRNA gene expression considerably. Furthermore, cytotoxicity has been shown in S. frugiperda midgut epithelial cells by cellular disorganization, fragmentation and protrusion, peritrophic matrix rupture, and microvilli degeneration. Btk sublethal concentration also induced cytotoxicity by causing apoptosis and necrosis in S. frugiperda midgut cells. These findings suggest that sublethal concentrations of Bt induce significant cytogenetic stress, which may complement the role of Bt-based biopesticides in integrated pest management strategies as a promising, environmentally safe method for decreasing the survival rate and controlling the pest S. frugiperda.