Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis beta-exotoxin to three species of fruitflies (Diptera : Tephritidae)

The current study describes toxic effects of the Bacillus thuringiensis bet a-exotoxin toward 3rd instars of 3 fruit ny species: Anastrepha ludens (Loe w),A. obliqua (Macyuart), and A. serpentina (Wiedemann). The beta-exotoxin was highly toxic to all 3 species tested, with LS, values calculated as 0.6 41, 0.512, and 0.408 mu g/cm(2) of filter paper used to expose the larvae, for A. ludens, A. obliqua, and A. serpentina, respectively. Exposure to bet a-exotoxin was associated with an increase in the incidence of deformed pup ae. The adult survivors from beta-exotoxin treatments showed no negative ef fects in terms of their longevity, fecundity, or egg eclosion (fertility). We conclude that the beta-exotoxin mar have potential as a control agent fo r fruit fly pests.