NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
What is the purpose of mixing Bacillus thuringiensis with water?
Options
- ATo enhance its potency
- BTo make it easier to spread
- CTo make it more toxic
- DTo make it less toxic
Correct answer
B. To make it easier to spread
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.