Bacillus thuringiensis is commercially available in most agricultural suppliers. It is sold in various formulations (spray, dust, and granule) and strains. Note that not all Bacillus thuringiensis can be used for control of caterpillars. Bt. israelensis is used for control of mosquitoes and Bt. tenebrionis for control of beetles.

How does it work?
Bacillus thuringiensis must be ingested by a susceptible host to be effective. When ingested, Bacillus thuringiensis produces proteins that react with the cells of the stomach lining. These (proteins) poison and paralyse the insect’s digestive system causing the insect to stop feeding within hours. Bt-infested insects will live for several days but will cause no further damage to the plant. They will die eventually from starvation.

How to use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)?

• Spray thoroughly, covering all the plant surfaces.
• Apply when larvae are less than 5 mm long or when the eggs begin to hatch. Bt works best on young larvae.
• In the hot tropics, it is more effective to spray Bt in the late afternoon as there are longer and cooler hours ahead. This enables Bt to remain longer on the leaves’ surfaces. Bt survives better in cooler temperature. Whereas, spraying in the morning provides a shorter and hotter environment.
• Do not mix the Bt concentrate with alkaline water (pH 8 or higher). Alkalinity reduces its effectiveness. To make the water acidic, add a few tablespoons of white vinegar in a gallon of water before adding Bt.

• Unlike most insecticides, which target a broad spectrum of species, including both pests and beneficial insects, Bt is toxic to a narrow range of insects. Research suggests that Bt does not harm the natural enemies of insects, nor does it impair honeybees and other pollinators critical to agroecological systems.
  Bt integrates well with other natural controls and is used for integrated pest management by many organic farmers.
• The use of insect-resistant Bt plants can potentially reduce use of chemical insecticide sprays, which are extremely toxic and expensive.
• Although lethal to certain insect species, Bt toxin applied as an insecticide or consumed with GMO food crops is considered nontoxic to humans and other mammals because they lack the digestive enzymes needed to activate the Bt protein crystals. However, any introduction of new genetic material is potentially a source for allergens, and, for this reason, certain strains of Bt are not approved for human consumption.

For All crops

• Method of application: Foliar sprays, pre-planting applications to seed, post-pruning treatments, incorporation in the soil during seeding or transplant, watering by irrigation, or applied as a root drench or dip.
• Packing : 25 Kgs HDPE Bags