Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

What is it?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that produces crystal proteins which are toxic to many species of insects. Bt is ingested by the insect and the toxin breaks down the gut lining; spores are then activated causing death within a few days. Bt is an organic method of pest control. Because the toxin is pest-specific you must match the target pest species with a particular Bt toxin protein. In other words, there is not one kind of Bt that works on all pests. You must match the Bt protein to the pest.

Information

• Bacillus thuringiensis (University of California, San Diego)
• How does Bt work?

Kendal Lyon, Hawaii Island Master Gardeners