Control ofAgrotis ypsilon (Hufn.) (Lep., Noctuidae) on some vegetable crops in Egypt using the microbial agentBacillus thuringiensis

The effective threshold rate of application of Dipel 2X was 250g/f. Incorporation of some chemical additives such as calcium sulphate (CaSO₄) or calcium oxide (CaO) significantly potentiated the effectiveness of Dipel 2X on larval population. The addition of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) to Dipel 2X greatly reduced the larval population and led to a significant increase in the yield of some vegetable crops. Dipel 2X baits at 250g/f were almost as effective as the chemical insecticide Hostathion when used at 1.5l/f in controllingA. ypsilon larvae attacking vegetable crops. Control of the greasy cutwormAgrotis ypsilon population was better achieved when the biological control agent Dipel 2X was used as baits.