EBS Bacillus-Thuringiensis Bio Larvicide

EBS Bacillus-Thuringiensis Bio Larvicide

1. Product Overview:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring, soil-dwelling bacterium widely used as a biological insecticide. It is highly effective against caterpillars, larvae, and specific insect pests that damage crops. Bt produces crystal proteins (Cry proteins) and endotoxins that are toxic to certain insects upon ingestion. It offers a target-specific mode of action, making it safe for humans, animals, and beneficial insects. Bt-based formulations are commonly used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and public health programs.

2. Mode of Action:
The insecticidal effect of Bacillus thuringiensis works through the following mechanism:

• Ingestion by target pests: When the insect larva consumes the Bt spores, the Cry proteins and endotoxins are activated in the alkaline environment of the insect's midgut.

• Gut disruption: The toxins bind to specific receptors in the insect's gut lining, causing perforations and cell lysis.

• Paralysis and starvation: This leads to gut paralysis, preventing the insect from feeding.

• Death: The insect dies within 1–5 days due to starvation and bacterial infection.

• Selective action: Bt is highly selective and only affects specific insect orders (mainly Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera), making it safe for beneficial insects.

3. Target Pests:
Bt effectively controls a variety of lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran larvae, including:

• Lepidopteran pests (caterpillars):

  • Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

  • Armyworms (Spodoptera litura)

  • Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

  • Tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura)

  • Tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa zea)

  • Leaf roller (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis)

• Coleopteran pests (beetles):

  • Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

  • Maize rootworm (Diabrotica spp.)

  • Rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus)

• Dipteran pests (flies and mosquitoes):

  • Fungus gnat larvae

  • Mosquito larvae (Anopheles, Culex, Aedes)

  • Black fly larvae

✅ Bt Varieties and Specificity:
There are several Bt subspecies, each targeting specific insect orders:

• Bt var. kurstaki – Targets lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars).

• Bt var. israelensis – Effective against dipteran larvae (mosquito and black fly larvae).

• Bt var. tenebrionis – Controls coleopteran larvae (beetles).

• Bt var. aizawai – Controls specific moth species in vegetables and fruits.

4. Crops:
Bt is widely used to protect various crops from damaging insect pests, including:

• Field crops:

  • Cotton: Controls bollworms and armyworms.

  • Rice: Manages leaf rollers and stem borers.

  • Corn: Protects against corn borers and rootworms.

  • Sugarcane: Controls shoot borers and leafhoppers.

• Vegetables:

  • Tomato: Controls fruit borers.

  • Cabbage and cauliflower: Manages diamondback moths.

  • Brinjal: Controls shoot and fruit borers.

  • Potato: Protects against Colorado potato beetles.

• Fruits:

  • Grapes, apples, and citrus: Protects against leaf rollers and borers.

  • Mango and guava: Controls caterpillars and fruit borers.

• Pulses and oilseeds:

  • Chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut: Effective against pod borers.

• Forestry:

  • Protects forest plantations from defoliators and caterpillars.

• Public health programs:

  • Controls mosquito larvae in water bodies.

5. Application and Dosage:

• The application method of EBS Bacillus-Thuringiensis  Bio Larvicide in crop field by Spraying.

  • For gardening use: 5 -10 ml/Litre of water
  • For Agriculture use: 1 -2 litre /acre
    
    

• Frequency:

  • Apply at the first sign of insect infestation.

  • Repeat the application every 7–10 days for continuous protection.

• Method:

  • Use a high-volume sprayer for thorough leaf coverage.

  • Spray during early morning or late evening to maximize effectiveness.

• Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI):

  • Zero PHI: Bt is safe and can be applied up until harvest.

• Compatibility:

  • Compatible with most biological and organic pesticides, but avoid mixing with chemical insecticides.

6. Benefits:

• Target-specific action: Kills specific insect larvae without harming beneficial insects, pollinators, or natural predators.

• Eco-friendly and safe: Safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

• No chemical residues: Suitable for organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

• Resistance management: Bt formulations reduce the risk of resistance development in insect populations.

• Broad-spectrum insect control: Effective against various caterpillars, beetles, and fly larvae.

• Cost-effective and efficient: Provides long-lasting control with fewer applications.

• Rainfastness: Remains effective even after light rainfall due to its adherence properties.

• Compatible with IPM: Ideal for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

7. Precautions and Safety:

• Proper application: Apply during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening) for maximum effectiveness.

• Sprayer maintenance: Clean sprayers thoroughly after application.

• Protective gear: Although Bt is safe, it is recommended to wear gloves and masks while handling.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

• Avoid UV exposure: UV rays can reduce Bt efficacy, so apply during cloudy or low-light conditions.

8. Environmental Impact:

• Safe for non-target species: Bt is non-toxic to humans, animals, birds, and beneficial insects.

• Biodegradability: It degrades naturally in the environment, leaving no harmful residues.

• Aquatic safety: Bt var. israelensis is used in public health programs to control mosquito larvae without harming fish or aquatic life.

• Pollinator-friendly: Safe for bees, making it suitable for application during flowering stages.

✅ Conclusion:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a biological insecticide that offers target-specific control of lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran pests. Its eco-friendly nature, safety for beneficial insects, and zero chemical residues make it ideal for organic and sustainable farming. Bt-based formulations provide effective pest management while promoting environmental sustainability and crop health.