Latest news with #Bacillusthuringiensisisraelensis


Time Business News
20-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Managing Mango Pests: Biological Control for Caterpillars
My twenty-four years of expertise in mango orchard cultivation has brought me many pest control struggles. Caterpillars together with blackfly larvae prove to be the most enduring threats against my mango tree's health. These damaging pests cause severe harm to leaves and fruits which results in consequences for the entire tree's health and productive capabilities. My goal became protecting mangoes through eco-friendly methods while I searched for solutions which would not affect the environment. My investigation into sustainable pest management methods exposed me to the effective biological controls known as BT Thuricide and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Mango trees lose their leaves as well as suffer fruit decay because the larval stage of moths and butterflies known as caterpillars eat extensively. The orchard loses its visual charm and the trees weaken through suppressed photosynthesis because of their presence. Blackfly larvae remain inconspicuous yet represent a substantial danger to mango trees because they attack the roots and tender shoots. Blackfly larvae inhabit slurried soil where they eat plant roots and organic matter therefore causing growth reduction and disease susceptibility in mango plants. The adoption of biological solutions requires implementing cultural practices which make the environment hostile to pests. The removal of common fruit debris together with leaves on a regular basis removes spaces where caterpillars and blackfly larvae can reproduce. A basic but efficient method of pest control through this practice combines population management of pests with reduced damage to tree health. Diversifying the orchard with plants that do not serve as hosts disrupts insect life cycles causing pests to struggle with sustaining their presence in the mango plantations. Blackfly larvae thrive best in conditions which result from excessive irrigation of crops. The combination of drip irrigation systems combined with proper drainage controls soil moisture effectively which makes these pests less likely to survive. Organic compost application to the soil creates two benefits: productive tree growth and stronger mango tree pest resistance. The fundamentals of pest prevention emerge from cultural practices yet biological controls incorporating BT Thuricide and Bti give further safeguards to the system. Through partnership with microbial agricultural experts from the University of Sustainable Agriculture I gained knowledge about how bio-products integrate into pest management plans. BT Thuricide: The BT biological insecticide known as BT Thuricide comes equipped with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which exists in nature. The BT Bacillus thuringiensis spray works as an effective caterpillar-specific treatment when sprayed. When the pests feed on BT toxin-contaminated plant leaves they consume these toxins which break down their stomach tissue and result in their death. The chosen spraying technique safeguards both pollinators and natural predators in the orchards while sustaining the intact natural habitat. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis: Blackfly larvae management requires Bti as an important biological insecticide. The natural bacterium Bti specifically kills dipteran insect larvae and avoids damaging other soil insects that live in the same habitat. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis Bti used as a soil-developed product creates toxins which cause lethal effects to blackfly larvae when consumed by them. Bti is a biological insecticide which decomposes naturally throughout the environment thus creating no lasting negative effects on soil health or its beneficial microorganisms. The microbial agricultural specialist Dr. Emily Ramirez from the University of Sustainable Agriculture stresses that BT and Bti should become part of integrated pest management systems. The sustainable approach to pest control has been achieved through BT Thuricide and Bti because they provide chemical-free pest treatments for agricultural applications. The targeting ability of these products for pests achieves effective pest control without harming beneficial insects or harming orchard health according to Dr. Emily Ramirez. Dr. Ramirez points out the beneficial connection that exists between cultural practices and biological control methods. Using BT and Bti alongside proper irrigation and sanitized orchards with improved soil quality creates a total pest population management system which protects mango trees from future outbreaks. I have achieved outstanding results after implementing bt biological insecticide and Bti in my mango orchard management approach. The number of caterpillar outbreaks in the area decreased while blackfly larvae discontinued their recurring appearances. The tree health improves along with increased mango production of superior quality. The use of eco-friendly solutions which protect my orchard ensures that I feel calm because they produce positive impacts on environmental health. The successful regulation of mango pests consisting of caterpillars and blackfly larvae demands multisectoral methods that unite agricultural solutions with biological pest management technologies. My use of BT Thuricide and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) within my pest management plan allows sustainable and efficient protection of my mango trees. My application of these bio-products received additional expertise from microbial agricultural specialists which ensured my orchards will maintain long-term health and productivity. Mango growers who want sustainable pest control measures should implement BT biological insecticides and Bti because these approaches create opportunities for healthy orchard development as well as abundant harvests. Make your mango trees thrive by doing the correct cultural techniques and biological pest controls which will result in continuous successful harvests that align with nature's standards. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


CBS News
05-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Broward County to spray for disease-carrying mosquitoes after uptick in activity
Broward County Mosquito Control will begin larvicide spraying this week in several cities after detecting a rise in mosquito populations known to spread serious illnesses such as dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. Targeted spraying in four cities From May 5 to May 10, 2025, weather permitting, the Mosquito Control Section will spray areas of Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Park and West Park using truck-mounted sprayers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The effort is a proactive measure aimed at killing larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which breed in small pools of water, including those in containers and landscaping plants like bromeliads and traveler's palms. The larvicide being used, VectoBac WDG, contains a naturally occurring bacterial ingredient—Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, strain AM6552)—that is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats or environmentally sensitive areas. It is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute, registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recommended by the World Health Organization for mosquito control. Adriana Toro with Mosquito Control says the county developed the formula, has a patent on it, and that it has been especially effective. Residents encouraged to help reduce mosquito habitats Broward resident Leanne Fancher says she supports the county's decision to spray, particularly as the rainy season begins. "Since we are getting into the rainy season it's good they do the spraying earlier," she said. She added that her young children, especially her three-year-old, are particularly susceptible to mosquito bites day and night. The county continues to work with the Florida Department of Health and Code Enforcement officials across Broward's 31 municipalities to reduce mosquito populations. Residents and business owners are encouraged to check their properties regularly and eliminate any standing water in items such as buckets, tires, planters, birdbaths and fountains. Reducing these breeding sites helps minimize the number of mosquitoes that can transmit disease. Those experiencing mosquito problems can request service by calling 311 or submitting an online Mosquito Service Request.