The present investigation was for the isolation and characterization of B. thuringiensis strains from different habitats based on the morphology, staining properties and biochemical characters. A total of 20 soil samples were collected from different localities across the Nanded region to isolate native Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) strains. Sodium acetate selection heat-pasteurization treatment methods were used for B thuringiensis isolation. Identification of isolates was accomplished on the basis of morphological characteristics of colonies and various biochemical tests like oxidase, catalase test, starch hydrolysis, aesculine hydrolysis, levan production, arginine hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis, gelatine liquafication, acid production from carbohydrate, VP test, nitrate reduction test etc. These spores were cultured and further characterized through colony shape and colour.
