Bti
(Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
Bti stands for Bacillus
thuringiensis israelensis, a non-reproducing bacterium discovered in the
soil of Israel's Negev Desert in 1977. When the mosquito eats the Bti spores
and crystals, they enter the larvae's stomach and dissolve. These crystals
produce a toxin that is fatal to the mosquito, but has little or no impact on
other aquatic life. Commercial manufacturers have produced several different
formulations to provide a variety of application methods.
Larviciding
with Bti
Liquid Bti can
be used in hand held pump cans, back pack sprayers, hydraulic sprayers or
truck mounted sprayers. One truck-mounted sprayer used by the Project is the
hydraulic sprayer. It delivers a mixed amount of Bti at a predetermined rate,
according to label directions and present larval conditions. The Bti is mixed
with water to ensure uniform coverage. The hydraulic sprayer delivers the
mixed solution to the area that has been determined to hold sufficient
amounts of larvae to justify an application, 1 larvae per dip average over 10
dips. This method is used to apply Bti in larger areas along roadsides and
other accessible areas.
A granular type
of Bti can be used in different ways. It can also be broadcast by hand, where
the applicator can access areas not available to truck mounted equipment or
aerial applications due to a heavy tree cover (canopy). Aircraft, either
fixed wing or helicopter, are used to deliver it to large, widespread areas
inaccessible to any truck or hand application because of size or location.
These
applications are typically made in isolated areas, away from most residential
areas. Therefore the applications present a minimal risk to the general
population.
BTI GRANULES
Pesticide
Labels:
Vectobac G ( 66k) - granular form of Bti
Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS):
Vectobac G ( 9k) - granular form of Bti
Pesticide
Information Profile/Bt
EPA
Profile on Bti
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