Bacillus thuringiensis serovar japonensis Strain Buibui for Control of Japanese and Oriental Beetle Larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract

Two liquid formulations containing Bacillus thuringiensis serovar japonensis strain Buibui toxin were evaluated in the field for control of Japanese and oriental beetle larvae. One formulation stopped in late sporulation phase where greater than 90% of the cells lysed contained free protein toxin crystals (parasporal inclusions) and live spores. A second formulation contained B. thuringiensis serovar japonensis strain Buibui toxin expressed in killed recombinant Pseudomonas fluorescens. both formulations demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce Japanese and oriental beetle larval populations in turfgrass compared to untreated controls. The B. thuringiensis formulation was more effective than the first prototype of the genetically engineered P. fluorescens, but the potential for development of this technology was clearly demonstrated.