Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki

Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring bacterium, common in soils throughout the world. Bacillus thuringiensis is an insecticide with unusual properties that make it useful for pest control in many crops. The insects that ingest the Bacillus thuringiensis and later die from it are not considered dangerous to birds or other animals that may feed the dead insect. Bacillus thuringiensis is the only microbial insecticide widely using to control lepidopteron pests in many agricultural crops. Bacillus thuringiensis is not known to cause injury to plants on which it has been applied and is not considered harmful to the environment.

Mode of action
The spores of this bacterium when come in contact with the cuticle (skin) of target insects, they germinate and grow directly through the cuticle to the inner body of their host. The bacterial spores proliferate throughout the insect’s body, draining the insect of nutrients, and eventually killing it in around and a week time.


Crops
Cereals, Pulses, Vegetables, Fruit crops, Cole crops, Orchards, Fibre crops, Cut flowers Ornamentals in greenhouses; nurseries, lawns and landscape.


Target pests
Caterpillars, Weevils, Leafhoppers, Bugs, Grubs and Leaf-feeding insects


Method of application
Foliar application: The product should be sprayed on growing plants using hand, ground or aerial equipment.

Soil application (for root grubs): Bacillus thuringiensis can be sprinkled around the root-zone and incorporated into the soil either mechanically or through watering the plant.

Frequency of application
The frequency of applications also depends on the pest and the crop. For greenhouse pest problems, applications once in every 15-20 days are recommended.


Dosage
Foliar spray: 5 kg/ hectare in 500 liters of water i.e., 5 gm per liter of water. The spray volume depends on the crop canopy.

Soil application: 5 kg/ Hectare

Drip system: 5 gm / litre of water.