Selection of new more potent strains of Bacillus thuringiensis for use against gypsy moth and spruce budworm

Abstract

The increased use of B. thuringiensis as an alternative to chemical insecticides has stimulated the search for more potent strains. Presently over 1100 strains have been isolated from worldwide sources. Some of these appear to be more effective than the commercially developed HD-1 strain against both the gypsy moth and spruce budworm. One strain in particular, when prepared as a standardized formulation was more effective than HD-1 against the eastern spruce budworm when compared under laboratory and field operational conditions. Laboratory bioassay data also indicates that against gypsy moth it may be approximately four times more potent than HD-1.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, Symposium: Microbial control of spruce budworms and gypsy moths

Citation

Dubois, Normand R. 1985. Selection of new more potent strains of Bacillus thuringiensis for use against gypsy moth and spruce budworm. In: Grimble, David G.; Lewis, Franklin B., coords. Proceedings, Symposium: Microbial control of spruce budworms and gypsy moths; 1984 April 10-12; Windsor Locks, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-100. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 99-102