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Bacillus thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis, generally referred to as Bt or Bt toxin – is a soil bacterium.

Bacillus thuringiensis, generally referred to as Bt or Bt toxin – is a soil bacterium that is closely related to the anthrax bacterium (B. anthracis). Bt toxin is a poison secreted by the bacteria that attacks the intestinal wall of insects and caterpillars. The insect and caterpillar then stop eating and die of starvation after a few days.
Controlling caterpillars with Bacillus thuringiensis only works if the caterpillars eat leaves sprayed with Bt toxin. Young caterpillars are generally more sensitive than old caterpillars.
Bacillus thuringiensis is not harmful for humans, birds and bees.

herkennen Bt-toxinen
Crystals Bt-toxine of Bacillus thuringiensis, photo: Jim Buckman - Public domain