Biolarvicide Potency of Bacillus thuringiensis against Mosquito Larvae and other Insects

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study is to review the mechanism of larvicide bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Against mosquito larvae and other insects. Discussion: characteristics of mosquito larvae is unique and different from any other stage of insect. One of its vulnerabilities is due to its eating habits and this is where Bt toxin play an important role as environmental friendly biopesticide. There are several toxin genes of Bt, namely crystal (cry) genes, cytolytic (cyt) genes, Vegetative insecticidal protein (vip) genes, Secreted insecticidal protein (sip) gene, bin-like and ETX_MTX2-family proteins. These arrays of delta-endotoxins possess toxic properties and can be used as biopesticides and effective vector control aginst tropical disease such as dengue fever. Conclusion: Bt toxin is a biological insecticide that acts as a gut toxin to kill insect larvae. Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces spores that contain crystalline inclusions with proteins that are toxic to insects, especially those which responsible for transmitting vector borne disease. Several toxin genes of Bt encode insecticidal proteins that target agricultural and forestry pests which is sustainable and environmental friendly.