A study of the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis serotype H14 (subspecies israelensis) delta endotoxin on Musca larva.

Background/aim: House flies (Musca domestica) are of major public health concern in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. Biological control through the use of parasitoids and pathogens is one of the alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides for control of insects of public health importance.

Materials And Methods: The effects of the delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis on house fly larval mortality were studied. Gel filtration and SDS-PAGE methods were used for separation and purification of proteins. Delta endotoxin was incubated with larvae in concentrations of 0.43 mg/mL and 0.27 mg/mL in bioassay tests.

Results: The results of this study indicated protein crystal toxicity against larvae of the house fly. A concentration of 0.43 mg/mL of this toxin caused 100% mortality in house fly larvae. The LD50 amount of these toxins was calculated as 125 µg/g.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of the protein crystal including delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis serotype H14 is an effective weapon in the biological fight against the house fly.