Efficacy of Jordanian Isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis against the citrus leafminer,Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Several laboratory experiments were conducted to test the efficacy of reference and local isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) against the Middle East strain of citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella, on lemon leaves when they were applied to the surface of intact leafminer. Among the six reference strains examined, the strain Bt kurstaki H3a, 3b, 3c ( Bt 4) showed the highest toxicity after 3 days of application. Bt kurstaki also caused additive mortality to the second and third instar larvae of citrus leafminer when the bacteria were combined with Sunspray ® oil. This combination caused significantly higher mortality (63.3%) than did Bt kurstaki alone or Bt kurstaki mixed with the surfactant Surfix ® . Local Bt isolates J6 ( Bt kurstaki ) and J23 ( Bt thuringiensis, H1) showed no significant toxicity differences towards CLM when compared with the reference strain Bt 4. Addition of Bt kurstaki preparation with Vapcocidin ® (pyrethroid insecticide) reduced the required lethal concentration of the pyrethroid pesticide by up to 50%. These results emphasize the value of Bt as part of integrated programmes for controlling citrus leafminer.