Influence of some environmental conditions on stability and activity of Bacillus thuringiensis formulations against the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been used in crop protection for the last 70 years; however, many environmental conditions affect its activity. The present study was directed to evaluate the influence of certain environmental conditions on stability and activity of Bt samples of the two commercial formulations (Dipel 2 × 6.4% WP and Protecto 9.4% WP), when stored under accelerated hot storage, shelf, and outdoor storage. Photo degradation of the two formulations was studied in aqueous solution. The results revealed that the loss percentage of Protecto formulation was above the permissible limits of WHO specifications after 2 years of storage at ambient conditions and the thermal stability of the Bt was affected negatively depending on the storage periods. In accordance with this trend, the bioassay tests versus neonate and second instar larvae of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), showed a decrease in toxicity of the formulations to (60%) after storage at 35 ± 2 °C for 12 weeks and about (70%) after storage under sunlight for 2 days. Photolysis of aqueous solutions reduced the half-life of formulations by about 1–2 days. The stability of Bt should be evaluated prior to submission for registration as these products have showed less stability under storage at ambient conditions. The stakeholders and decision-makers can utilize these results and examine such products case by case.