The use of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki in protecting stored bee wax combs and wax foundations against the greater wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella l [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Toxicological study using the commercial formulation Dipel-2X based on the entomopathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki in the concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/ 100g diet were carried out versus larvae (L₃) of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L.. The calculated LC₅₀ reached 4.784g/100g diet. The LC₁₀₀ (9.568g/100g diet lor water) was used to treat t~he wax combs and foundation wax sheets by the spraying technique that followed by artificial infestation with eggs of the greater wax moth (ca 200 egg/comb or foundation sheet) and stored in boxes at 26-27 °C and 60-70% R.H. Weight of stored Dipel-2X-treated and -untreated bee wax material was estimated each 2 months for one year. Infestation was completely reduced (zero%) in B.t.var. kurstaki treated wax combs and foundation sheets, while untreated combs (control) lost 26, 60,90,98, and 100% of their wax content after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 months, respectively. Also, respective losses of 28, 66, 91, 98 and 100% were recorded for untreated wax foundation sheets at the same intervals.

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