Field Guide    Biocontrols  Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring bacterium that has done great things in pest management. Unlike typical insecticides, it works by producing insecticidal proteins that target and kill certain insect larvae while leaving beneficial organisms untouched. This accuracy makes it a very important aspect of sustainable pest management strategies.

When insect larvae consume Bt spores, the bacterium releases proteins that attach to receptors in the gut, disrupting digestion and causing cell rupture. This leads to starvation and death within a couple days. Different Bt strains target different pests like caterpillars (Bt kurstaki), beetle larvae (Bt tenebrionis), and mosquito larvae (Bt israelensis), making it a selective approach that works well in pest control.

One of Bt’s biggest advantages is that it’s environmentally safe. Unlike chemicals, it doesn’t accumulate in the environment, harm beneficial species, or contribute to pesticide resistance. Bt is mainly used in organic farming, because it ‘s an eco friendly pest control and gives an effective, natural replacement to insecticides. Farmers can control pests when utilizing Bt with minimal eco disruption, making for healthier crops and agricultural sustainability.