Susceptibility to Commercial Bacillus thuringiensis Formulations

Research Issue

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) products are available for operational use against Lymantria monacha in Eurasia.  There is some variation in the control results obtained for different formulations but it has been used widely with good success in Germany, Russia, Belarus and Czech Republic.  Information on the susceptibility of nun moth to the formulations available in the United States is needed to know what could be used to eradicate nun moth should it be introduced.

Our Research

The relative susceptibility of larvae to two formulations of Bt was determined by comparing the LC₅₀ for each with that of the standard strain (NJSS) of gypsy moth.

Expected Outcomes

Information needed to use Bt in eradication of nun moth if introduced into North America.

Research Results

Nun moth has a similar susceptibility to that of the gypsy moth to both commercial Bt formulations evaluated.  Nun moth is more susceptible to the Abbott formulation than the standard.

Research Participants

Principal Investigators

• Melody Keena, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Research Entomologist
• Normand Dubois, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Former Research Microbiologist (Deceased) 

Last Modified: 09/15/2009

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/nun_moth/control_management/bt/