Environmental Entomology (1988) 17, 120-126

R.L. Dunkle and B.S. Shasha (1988)
Starch-encapsulated Bacillus thuringiensis: A potential new method for increasing environmental stability of entomopathogens
Environmental Entomology 17 (1), 120-126
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner was encapsulated within a starch matrix and assayed for biological activity against neonate and second-instar larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). When larvae ingested encapsulated B. thuringiensis, they digested the starch matrix and released into their guts B. thuringiensis crystals and spores, which initiated infection. Nearly 100% mortality occurred at all dosages and concentrations tested whenever the starch granules were hydrated and high relative humidity conditions (>80%) were maintained during the 24-h exposure period of the assay. Encapsulated B. thuringiensis stored in the laboratory for 4 mo exhibited no detectable decrease in pathological activity.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology
formulation/storage of bioagents

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ostrinia nubilalis
Bacillus thuringiensis (entomopathogen)	Ostrinia nubilalis