Potential of Cry1Ac from Bacillus thuringiensis against the tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Abstract The tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera), is an introduced serious pest of tomato in India. Management of this insect pest mainly relies on insecticides because of its high infestation levels on all plant parts and life stages of tomato crop. This laboratory study investigated the efficacy of Cry1Ac protein of Bacillus thuringiensis against T. absoluta. The LC50 and LC95 values for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th larval instars were 0.12, 0.27, and 0.43 μg/ml and 0.63, 0.71, and 2.64 μg/ml, respectively. Experimental results showed that Cry1Ac is effective against different larval instars of tomato pinworm.

Keywords

• Bacillus thuringiensis
• Tuta absoluta
• Bioassay
• Cry1Ac toxin