Inactivation of Bacillus thuringiensis spores by ultraviolet and visible light

Abstract

The inactivation of B. thuringiensis spores and spores treated with two protectants, one proteinaceous and the other a commercial product, Shade, at wavelengths of the near-ultraviolet and visible spectra and at 254 nm is described. Determination of the inactivating wavelengths may be used to establish an efficient sunlight protective system for B. thuringiensis when used as a microbial insecticide.