BtK insecticide can cause some minor and temporary irritation to exposed skin, eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Susceptible insects feeding on Bt corn plants and BtK insecticide die from bacterial infection after the protein crystal tears the intestinal lining.ītK bacteria do not cause diseases in people, mammals, birds, or fish. With Bt corn, the genetic recipe for making the protein crystal is in the seeds. The protein crystals and bacterial spores in BtK insecticide are extracted from a soup of Bt bacteria that is produced in vats like beer in a brewery. ![]() Q: Can I ship trees after the inspector finds Spongy moth?Ī: The same species of bacteria is used to produce BtK insecticide and Bt corn. 3) Heavy larval infestations within one mile of the production area, which could result in infestation through blow in or larval migration into the site. 2) Five or more egg masses per acre within 100 feet of the article. Spongy moths are likely to be shipped on your crops if the inspector finds one of the following:ġ) One or more egg masses on the regulated articles or within 10 feet of the articles. Q: Is BtK insecticide similar to Bt corn?Ī: Your fields will be inspected to determine whether live spongy moths are close enough to allow them to enter your crop. In counties where spongy moth is already established, these sprays are designed to prevent or reduce defoliation and nuisance problems. Sprays outside of the generally infested area are applied to eliminate isolated populations of moths, thereby slowing the spread of the spongy moth infestation through the state. A series of two sprays is applied in early May, when caterpillars are small and most susceptible to BtK. Q: How is BtK insecticide used to kill spongy moth?Ī: In Indiana, most BtK applications are applied from aircraft or spray trucks to areas where spongy moths threaten trees and the public. The strain commonly known as “kurstaki” is used to produce the spongy moth insecticide that kills the caterpillars of various moths and butterflies. Death can occur within a few hours to a few weeks after BtK application. The source of this infection can be the BtK spores in BtK insecticide or any of a number of species of bacteria already present in the insect gut. When eaten, the protein crystals tear the cells that line the intestine of susceptible insects, causing them to die from bacterial infection. These bacteria are tiny little factories that produce protein crystals that kill specific groups of insects. Kurstaki, is a bacterium found naturally on leaves and in the soil. Q: What is BtK, and how does it kill the spongy moth?Ī: BtK, short for Bacillus thuringiensis var. Some people develop rashes or allergies to caterpillar hairs that float through the air. The rain of caterpillars and their excrement from treetops can discourage even the heartiest Hoosiers from taking a walk in the park. Spongy moth caterpillars are also a public nuisance in recreational and residential areas that are known for their oaks. Capable of feeding on 500 plants, this pest threatens Indiana forests and suburban landscapes. Older, less vigorous trees suffering from drought can be killed by a single defoliation. Although healthy trees can survive defoliation, repeated removal of leaves can kill a tree. When abundant, caterpillars can completely defoliate trees. Each caterpillar can grow up to 2 inches long and can consume up to 11 square feet of foliage from early May until June. In 2022 it defoliated over 9 million acres of forest in the United States and nearly 1 million acres in Michigan alone. Q: What is the spongy moth, and why is it a problem?Ī: The spongy moth (formerly called the gypsy moth) is an insect with a big appetite for oaks. ![]() ![]() Q & A's ABOUT USING BtK tO CONTROL SPONGY MOTHĬliff Sadof, Department of Entomology, Purdue University Phil Marshall, State Forest Health Specialist and Megan Abraham, State Entomologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |