Biocidal activity of Bacillus species for Anopheles larvae

It is generally accepted that Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) is specifically toxic to some insects but does not pose any threat to the environment, ope rators, or consumers. There are several other Bacillus species which can be used as effective bioinsecticides. In this study four different species of Bacillus, i.e., B. coagulans, B. megaterium, B. brevis, and B. sphaericus were isolated from soil samples collected from Kala Shah Kakoo and Kasur ar eas, in the suburbs of Lahore. Isolated Bacillus species were administered to mosquito larvae to evaluate their biocidal activity. B. coagulans I from Kala Shah Kakoo showed 93% mortality, while B. coagulans III from Kasur sh owed 70% mortality. Bacterial isolates most toxic to Anopheles larvae showe d optimum growth at 37 degrees C and pH 7. These isolates have a great pote ntcy to controlling anopheline population.