Current research to develop the entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis for horn fly control.

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) has been shown to produce at least two sporulation-specific proteins which result in larvicidal activity when incorporated in bioassays against horn flies (Haematobia irritans L.). Development of a new control technology for horn flies based on Bti appears to be feasible through the use of recombinant DNA technology. Substantial work remains however, to develop new research tools and techniques for this application.