Fate of Bacillus thuringiensis and change in population of epiphytic microorganisms on leaves of plants after sprayed with B. thuringiensis insecticide

Abstract

When Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide was applied to plants, the number of the bacteria on the leaves derived from this insecticide was decreased with time after application. The rate of decrease of the bacteria was affected by the nature of leaf surface and the rainfall. The population of epiphytic fungi on plant leaves was increased by application of B. thuringiensis insecticide, but it was reduced to normal population within a short period. Therefore there is little possibility that the bacteria derived from B. thuringiensis insecticide servive for a long period and disturb the microflora on the plant leaves.