Bacillus Thuringiensis Kurstaki BTK/BTI in Agriculture

Bacillus thuringiensis Var. kurstaki is used commercially for the control of lepidopterous pests n certain situations.. Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides are most commonly used against certain leaf and needle-feeding caterpillars. The greatest use of Bt Var. kurstaki used as a spray for control of caterpillars on vegetable crops. At present Bt is the only “microbial insecticide” in widespread use of insect control.

Btk is effective against many important pests agricultural crops and forestry including gypsy moth and velvetbean caterpillars and green cloverworm. In addition, there is now much use of Bt in agriculture as a liquid applied through overhead irrigation systems or in a granular form for control of European corn borer. The treatments funnel down the corn whorl to where the feeding larvae occur.