SCOPE OF COMMERCIAL FORMULATIONS OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BERLINER AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO METHYL BROMIDE AGAINST TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM ADULTS

Montreal protocol has deprived the world from Methyl bromide which had been used as one of the most effective pesticide since many decades. Alternative fumigation methods are therefore urgently required to fill this gap in relation to the pest control especially the stored grain insect pest management. Investigations were therefore carried out to evaluate the potential role of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a natural pest control agent against the rust red flour beetle. Different formulations of the pathogens were tested for their efficacy against the pest. Results revealed that two out of the three commercial formulations used in the experiment i.e., Dipel ES and Bactospeine showed moderate results with 59.33 and 54.66 % mortality. Ecotech Pro was however found to be the most effective exhibiting 79.66 % mortality after 7 days of the treatment. The results further revealed that liquid formulations yielded comparatively better results as compared to the powder formulation. Mortality exhibited in case of Ecotech Pro was perhaps due to its active ingredient transconjugant Bt kurstaki x Bt aizawi, its potency as well as more ingestion of the Bt spores and toxins because of its liquid base. Liquid formulations not only enhanced the moisture contents but also made the grain more palatable for T. castaneum adults resulting in more mortality as compared to dry formulation.