Mode of action
DiptoKill-Bt is a mixture of bacterial spores and delta endotoxin (parasporal crystal) produced by Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i H-14) properly formulated for effective application in water aereas where mosquito and gnut larvae can grow.
After application, the spores and the crystal suspended in the treated water are ingested by larvae. Once the crystals are in the insect digestive tract, and due to its alkaline pH, they gradually dissolve liberating peptides that specifically block ion transfer channels in the intestinal epithelial cells of larvae.
This generates an osmotic imbalance and an abrasion of the stomach wall that causes its disorganization and rupture. The damages produced cause cessation of feeding and enable the spores to gain access to the insect circulatory system, wherein they can reproduce and compete for nutrients resulting in a general weakening.
Combined effects of stomach epithelial damages and generalized bacterial septicemia produce larval death between 2 and 12 hours after application.
The specifity of the toxic peptides against diptera is due to a biological recognition that involves epithelial ion channel proteins. It is a key–lock interaction mechanism.
This highly specific recognition of protein systems guarantees the innocuousness for other insects, fishes and mammals.
