Hymenopteran specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis strain PS86Q3

Abstract The biological activity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain PS86Q3 against five Hymenopteran species was determined by means of bioassays adapted to each species. Four species of sawfly that are important pests of conifers (Diprion pini, Gilpinia hercyniae and Pristiphora abietina) or ornamental plants (Arge rosae), as well as the non-target honeybee, Apis mellifera, were studied. Two out of the four sawfly species tested were found to be sensitive to PS86Q3 crystals or spore/crystal suspensions. A sporulated culture of this strain was moderately active on D. pini, and a complete bioassay with solubilized crystals was performed to estimate the LC50 of 4.9 mg/ml. Pristiphora abiet…