BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS

Bacillus thuringiensis suspension

A biological suspension based on the insecticidal bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is in the final stages of elaboration. The work is carried out at the Institute of Genetics, Physiology, and Plant Protection of the Moldova State University.

The active microorganism is the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. The strain is deposited in the National Collection of Non-Pathogenic Microorganisms under registration number CNMN-Bb-11.

Preparative form: suspension concentrate containing B. thuringiensis kurstaki bacteria, protein crystals (delta endotoxin) and biologically active substances produced by the microorganism during deep cultivation. Titer not less than 10⁹ CFU/ml.

Designation: used for plants protection against young caterpillars of more than 40 species of lepidopteran pests, including the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758), whose special form develops on walnut trees.

The mechanism of action of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) is based on the activation of delta endotoxin in the caterpillar's intestine. After entering the digestive tract, the Btk protoxin is converted into an active toxin in an alkaline environment, which destroys the intestinal walls. This leads to an osmotic imbalance, the penetration of intestinal contents into the body cavity, feeding cessation and subsequent death of the insect.

Method of application: Twice spraying of growing plants with 7-10 days’ interval against each generation of pests with 1-3% working suspension.

Shelf life and guaranteed storage period – 1 month at a temperature of +2...+4°C.

Compatibility with other pesticides: simultaneous application of biological preparations with chemical plant protection products is not recommended. Compatible in tank mixtures with biological preparations.

Resistance: Bacillus thuringiensis does not cause ‘habituation’ in plant pests. It has no phytotoxic effect on protected plants.

The risks of using: the product is safe for humans, animals, fish, bees, beneficial entomofauna and the environment. It may have a sensitizing effect on weakened organisms.