<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>strains affect population growth of the free-living nematode<i>Turbatrix aceti</i>

Abstract

Summary Microbial toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, B.t. kurstaki, and B.t. morrisoni reduced population growth of the free-living nematode Turbatrix aceti. Worm populations declined more after treatment with B.t. israelensis than the other tested strains. Population growth of the nematode was inhibited by repeated exposure to B.t. israelensis toxin at three-day intervals during a two-week period. Exposure of the nematodes to the toxin for eight hours caused more mortality than lesser periods of time. Microbial toxins from B. thuringiensis may be a source of agents for nematode control.