Quantitative Bioassay in Insect Pathology

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Abstract
Much research is currently being directed toward development of entomopathogens for use in pest management systems, and a fundamental tool in this research is the in vivo bioassay. Interpretation of these assays has been based on what is often referred to as the pharmacological or cooperative action model, using probit analysis to analyze the data statistically. However, when no variation in the susceptibility of individual test subjects is detectable and when quantitation of dose is possible, another model, called the exponential or independent action model, can be more useful and defensible. When this model is acceptable, the data can be analyzed by procedures such as the maximum likelihood solution described by Peto (1953. A dose–response equation for the invasion of microorganisms. Biometrics 9: 320–335) to yield quantitative information on the susceptibility of the test subjects and the proportion of the pathogen inoculum that is effective in initiating an infection. The reasoning behind this model, its use, and its application to entomopathogens are discussed.

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