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Development of low-cost media for the culture of mosquito larvicides, Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis

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Abstract

Mosquito larvicides like Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis have been widely and effectively used in mosquito control programs, but the industrial production of these bacilli is expensive. Here we have attempted to develop three cost-effective media, based on cheap sources, potato, common sugar and bengalgram. Growth and production of the insecticidal proteins from these bacteria were satisfactory. Bioassay studies with different mosquito larvae showed considerable toxicity. Therefore the investigation suggests that potato-based culture media are more economical for the industrial production of B. sphaericus and B. thuringiensis serovar. israelensis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Research in Medical Entomology (ICMR), 4 Sarojini Street, Chinnachokkikulam, Madurai, 625002, Tamilnadu, India

    Subbiah Poopathi & L. Kabilan

  2. Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, 625021, Tamilnadu, India

    K. Anup Kumar & Vaithilingam Sekar

Authors
  1. Subbiah Poopathi
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  2. K. Anup Kumar
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  3. L. Kabilan
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  4. Vaithilingam Sekar
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Poopathi, S., Kumar, K.A., Kabilan, L. et al. Development of low-cost media for the culture of mosquito larvicides, Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis . World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 18, 209–216 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014937311839

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