Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter deals with crystal-forming bacteria as insect pathogens. In the crystal-forming bacilli, there is a potential for an entire new concept in insect control. A wide spectrum of specific, safe, effective, and economical control agents are available almost as quickly as research and development capabilities can uncover them. The crystal forming bacilli, which can be regarded as true toxicants in view of their potent crystal protein toxin, have an advantage over many other pathogens whose dependence on septicemia for kill makes the expression of their effects slow. Inhibition of feeding by a susceptible insect larva, soon after ingestion of crystal protein, results in considerable control of crop spoilage. Utilization of the concept of endemic or epidemic disease in insect populations cannot as yet give this effect. The chapter discusses the toxic materials produced by the crystal-forming bacilli, host susceptibility and the toxic factors produced by bacillis thuringiensis, and a few industrial considerations.
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