Bacillus Thuringiensis

What does bacillus thuringiensis kill

•  Lepidoptera                                        •  Orthoptera

•  Coleoptera                                          •  Diptera

•  Hymenoptera                                    •  Pine Caterpillar

Mode of Action

Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins called toxins crystal that is toxic to insects species including Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera, with a particular focus on Lepidoptera.

The two main toxoids produced by BTK and BTA are exotoxin (also known as,, and exotoxin) and endotoxin (also known as parasporal crystals). The primary poisons are parasporal crystals.

In the simple digestive system of insects, the intestinal wall can be immediately destroyed, the insects stop feeding, and the intestine can be paralyzed in minutes. This allows the vegetative bacteria cells to readily invade and pierce the intestinal wall. Pests finally succumb to hunger and infection, hemolymph.

Bacillus thuringiensis works slowly and may take up to 2 days to start working after ingestion, so it should be applied a few days before traditional chemical agents. The effect is also stronger when the moth is young.

Benefit

• Effective biopestcide against certain pests like Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera, particularly Lepidoptera in agriculture and forestry.
• Safe to non-target insects species and mamals when use as biological pesticide, environmentally friendly option than chemical pesticides, which can have negative impacts on non-target species.
• Easy to use and can be applied as a spray or incorporated into seeds before planting.
• Compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs, which aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides by using a combination of control methods.
• Long shelf life and can be stored for extended periods of time without losing effectiveness.
• Natural product and can be used in organic farming to control pests without violating the principles of organic agriculture.

How to use bacillus thuringiensis

• Apply 0.75 to 1.5 kg per hectare to control newly hatched worms or at the first sign of egg-laying
• Better to apply the product in the early morning or evening when the air is calm.
• Simply mix BT powder with water as directed on the label.
• To ensure complete control, be sure to thoroughly spray both the top and bottom surfaces of the leaves.

Application instructions

• DO NOT apply bacillus thuringiensis products through any kind of irrigation system.
• For BT biological pesticide to work, it must be ingested by susceptible insect larvae, hence it is critical to completely cover the target foliage where larvae are eating.
• The best time to apply is when the larvae are small and newly hatched, and actively feeding.
• Repeat applications may be necessary to maintain control, depending on the level of infestation.
• To improve the wetting and distribution of BT powder on difficult-to-wet foliage, such as cruciferous plants, it is recommended to add a wetting agent.
• Larvae and gypsy moth will stop feeding within a few hours and will die within 2-5 days.