INTRODUCTION TO A STANDARDIZED METHOD FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE POTENCY OF BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS SEROTYPE-H-14 BASED PRODUCTS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (1) , 93-97
Abstract
B. thuringiensis serotype H-14 is a promising biological [insect] control agent which acts as a conventional larvicide through its .delta.-endotoxin (active ingredient) and which now has to be suitably formulated for application in vector breeding habitats. The active ingredient in the formulations has not been chemically characterized or quantified and therefore recourse has to be taken to a bioassay method. Drawing on past experience and through the assistance mainly of various collaborating centers, the WHO standardized a bioassay method, which gave consistent and reproducible results. The method permitted the determination of the potency of a B. thuringiensis H-14 preparation through comparison with a standard powder. The universal adoption of the standardized bioassay method will ensure comparability of results.