TY - JOUR AU - Pinnock, Dudley E. AU - Milstead, James E. TI - Biological control of California oakmoth with JF - California Agriculture JO - Calif Agr Y1 - 1971/10/01 VL - 25 IS - 10 SP - 3 EP - 6 PB - University of California Agriculture and Nature Resources SN - 0008-0845 UR - http://www.ucanr.edu/sites/calagjournal/archive/?article=ca.v025n10p3 AB - BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS preparations proved to be highly effective for oakmoth control during field trials conducted in three areas of differing climate in northern California. The Bacillus thuringiensis preparations tested were Biotrol Dustable BTB 183 2.5D, Biotrol Wettable BTB 183 25 W, and Thuricide 90 TS 950-T. They were found to be equally effective for oakmoth control, though they differed in persistence of viable spores. Three types of equipment were used to apply the sprayable preparations, and all produced effective coverage but showed marked differences in wastage of material. Only one type of equipment was available for applying the dustable preparation. Application was timed to coincide with the early third instar of the oakmoth larvae, when a change in feeding behavior increased their exposure to the Bacillus thuringiensis. All three preparations were apparently fully compatible with the equipment for application, and no handling or disposal difficulties were encountered. The numbers of insect predators of oakmoth larvae were apparently unchanged by the Bacillus thuringiensis treatments and no phytotoxicity was noticed.