NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
is the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis on insect larvae?
Options
- AIt leaves them unharmed
- BIt enhances their growth
- CIt makes them more resistant to attack
- DIt kills them
Correct answer
D. It kills them
Step-by-step solution
An example of microbial biocontrol agents that can be introduced in order to control butterfly caterpillars is the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (often written as Bt). These are available in sachets as dried spores which are mixed with water and sprayed onto vulnerable plants such as brassicas and fruit trees, where these are eaten by the insect larvae. In the gut of the larvae, the toxin is released and the larvae get killed. The bacterial disease will kill the caterpillars, but leave other insects unharmed.