AgriLife - Lipel (BTK) Bacillus thuringenesis var kristaki

Sporulation:The endospores are released through sporulation upon contact with the insect after spraying.

Protein formation:Upon sporulation crystal proteins or CRY proteins are formed that produce -endotoxins which are encoded by cry genes that have insecticidal action. The cry genes are located on the plasmid. When insects ingest toxin crystals, the alkaline pH of their digestive tract activates the toxin. Cry toxin gets inserted into the insect gut cell membrane, forming a pore. The pore results in cell lysis and eventual death of the insect.

Receptor site compatibility:Time taken for the occurrence of death is dependent on the presence of specific receptor sites on the insect's gut wall. This match between toxin and receptor sites determines the range of insect species killed byBacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki. When the activated toxin attaches to receptor sites, it paralyzes and destroys the cells of the insect's gut wall, allowing the gut contents to enter the insect's body cavity and bloodstream.

• Lipeleffectively controls major caterpillar pests of the Lepidopteran species like Plutella xylostella and Diamond back moth.
• Pest load reduction leads to improved plant health and thereby increased crop productivity.
• Lipelcan be used as an effective component in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, thereby leading to a reduction in use of chemical pesticides and creating a safer environment.