Pathogenity of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains Isolated from Soil and Dead Larvae

Authors: Gönül ÇETİNKAYA, Lütfü ÇAKMAKÇI

Abstract: Lepidopteran pathogen Bacillus strains were isolated from soil and larvae samples that were collected from different areas. A total 217 sporulated strains were isolated from soil samples and 9 sporulated strains were isolated from dead Lepidoptera larvae. Powder of these strains was tested against Ephestia kuehniella Zell (Lepidoptera) larvae. When biochemical characters of five strains that had insecticidal activity of more than 50% were investigated, it was determined that these strains may be Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis. Also, it was determined that these strains were produced bipyramidal and cuboidal crystals.

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