|Weathersbee Iii, Albert|
Submitted to: Diaprepes Task Force Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 31, 2004
Publication Date: April 16, 2004
Citation: Weathersbee Iii, A.A., Lapointe, S.L. 2004. Bacillus thuringiensis strains for use against diaprepes abbreviatus. Diaprepes Task Force Abstracts. Technical Abstract: Bacterial entomopathogens have not been adequately investigated as potential microbial agents for control of Diaprepes abbreviatus. The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis is known to be pathogenic to many insect pests, but relatively few strains of B. thuringiensis are active against coleoptera. Endotoxins produced by the bacterium are activated in the gut of susceptible hosts upon ingestion, and can cause feeding inhibition, infection of tissues, and eventual death. Researchers at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory have assembled two collections of B. thuringiensis isolates that are plausibly active against D. abbreviatus. One collection contains isolates covered by industry patents that demonstrate activity against coleoptera. The other collection is comprised of isolates collected in Florida from diseased larvae of D. abbreviatus and associated soils. Isolates from both collections are being screened for activity against neonates and 3-4 week old larvae of Diaprepes root weevil. Effective rates are determined for isolates that demonstrate activity in initial screening experiments. Application strategies developed for particularly promising isolates may include transgenic approaches as deemed appropriate.