Robert M. Faust

The biotechnology of Bacillus thuringiensis

One of the challenges in the application of biotechnology to pest control is the identification of agents found in nature which can be used effectively. Biotechnology offers the potential of developing pesticides based on such agents which will provide environmentally sound and economically feasible insect control alternatives. Such an agent, the insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis, is the subject of intense investigations in several laboratories. Insecticides which use the entomocidal properties of B. thuringiensis are currently produced and sold worldwide; new products are currently in the development stage. Herein, the biology and genetics of B. thuringiensis and the problems associated with current products are critically reviewed with respect to biotechnology. Moreover, the economic and regulatory implications of technologically advanced products are evaluated.

Studies on the mucopolysaccharides of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus)

Abstract 1. 1. Procedures for the extraction of mucopolysaccharides from the midgut of the wax moth are presented. 2. 2. Chromatography of this extract on the anion exchanger, ECTEOLA cellulose, showed the presence of a single component, having a elution pattern similar to that of mammalian hyaluronic acid. 3. 3. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the insect mucopolysaccharide served to establish its identity with hyaluronic acid.

Transfer of the Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis Mosquiticidal Toxin Gene into Mosquito Larval Food Sources

Mosquitoes and black flies are serious pests to humans and animals. Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as filariasis, elephantiasis, malaria, and yellow fever, all of which are still threats in tropical areas ( Gillett 1971). Black flies act as vectors of filarial worms and blood protozoans among domestic and wild vertebrates and transmit parasites to humans (Crosskey 1981). Synthetic chemical pesticides have been effectively used to control these pests. However, the disadvantages of chemicals are that they persist for a long time in the environment; are hazardous to humans; and due to chemical longevity, genetically based resistance to the chemicals occurs. Consequently, the development of biological controls as an alternative means of pest control is desired.