What is the primary mechanism by which *Bacillus thuringiensis* (*Bt* kurstaki) kills box tree moth caterpillars?
Answer
It produces toxins that must be ingested by the caterpillar.
The *Bt* bacterium produces toxins that become active inside the caterpillar's gut after ingestion, leading to death. This makes ingestion crucial for its efficacy.
#Videos
How to prevent box tree moth damage in your garden this summer
Related Questions
Which stage of the box tree moth is responsible for nearly all the damage to boxwood foliage?Which chemical class acts as a chitin synthesis inhibitor to control box tree moth larvae?What is the primary mechanism by which *Bacillus thuringiensis* (*Bt* kurstaki) kills box tree moth caterpillars?Where do box tree moth caterpillars frequently hide during the day?What is the main purpose of controlling the adult box tree moth stage?When managing overlapping generations in warmer climates, how often should a follow-up larval treatment typically be applied after the initial treatment?What characteristic of boxwood foliage can challenge the efficacy of foliar chemical sprays?What common monitoring sign indicates that box tree moth larvae are actively feeding?What technique is recommended to maximize insecticide efficacy when treating dense boxwoods?Why is relying solely on natural enemies often an insufficient strategy against the box tree moth in new environments?What is the primary advantage of using physical removal, such as handpicking caterpillars, over broad chemical treatments?