Novel formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki: an eco-friendly approach for management of lepidopteran pests.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are in use for management of insect pests. Continuous use of Bt can lead to problem of resistance development in insect pests. Hence use of combination formulations (CF) of microbials with diverse modes of action has been attempted to slow down the process of resistance development.

Novel cross linked guar gum-g-poly(acrylate) porous superabsorbent hydrogels: Characterization and swelling behaviour in different environments.

A new series of eco-friendly cross linked guar gum-g-poly(acrylate) porous superabsorbent hydrogels was prepared by in situ grafting polymerization and cross-linking on to a natural guar gum employing N,N-methylene bis acrylamide as cross linker. Morphological and structural characterization of the prepared hydrogels (SPHs) done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and solid state C(13) NMR spectroscopy confirmed formation of porous grafted and crosslinked hydrogel structure. Increase in cross linker concentration in the feed mass exhibited decrease in porosity and increase in density of the hydrogels.