Effectiveness of commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis var Kurstaki "Agerin, Dipel 2X and Dipel DF" on total protein and lipid contents were studied. Activities of detoxification and metabolic enzymes were also measured in treated and control larvae of cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis. Collected samples from treated larvae at intervals of 48 and 120 hrs post treatment were analyzed to assess the total protein and lipid contents as well as the enzymes activities. Significant reductions were observed in total protein content at 120 hrs larvae in all treatments compared with control. In all larvae treated with Agerin and Dipel DF the lipid content was significantly elevated after 48 and 120 hrs of treatment while Dipel 2X showed no significant difference in lipid content. However, fluctuated changes in the enzymes activity of treated larvae were found. We conclude that there are differences in biochemical effects between various commercial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki. In most cases Agerin was found more effective on S. littoralis than others. |
