Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis β-exotoxin to three species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The current study describes toxic effects of the Bacillus thuringiensis β-exotoxin toward 3rd instars of 3 fruit fly species: Anastrepha ludens (Loew), A. obliqua (Macquart), and A. serpentina (Wiedemann). The β-exotoxin was highly toxic to all 3 species tested, with LC50 values calculated as 0.641, 0.512, and 0.408 μg/cm2 of filter paper used to expose the larvae, for A. ludens, A. obliqua, and A. serpentina, respectively. Exposure to β-exotoxin was associated with an increase in the incidence of deformed pupae. The adult survivors from β-exotoxin treatments showed no negative effects in terms of their longevity, fecundity, or egg eclosion (fertility). We conclude that the β-exotoxin may have potential as a control agent for fruit fly pests.