Hymenopteran specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis strain PS86Q3

The biological activity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain PS86Q3 against five Hymenopteran species was determined by means of bioassays adapted to each species. Four species of sawfly that are important pests of conifers (Diprion pini, Gilpinia hercyniae and Pristiphora abietina) or ornamental plants (Arge rosae), as well as the non-target honeybee, Apis mellifera, were studied. Two out of the four sawfly species tested were found to be sensitive to PS86Q3 crystals or spore/crystal suspensions. A sporulated culture of this strain was moderately active on D. pini, and a complete bioassay with solubilized crystals was performed to estimate the LC₅₀ of 4.9 mg/ml. Pristiphora abietina was also found to be sensitive to PS86Q3, with an LC₅₀ of 1.6 mg/ml. By contrast, at the concentrations tested, PS86Q3 did not prove active on the remaining sawflies, G. hercyniae and A. rosae. The strain was administered orally to check its effects on honeybees which were fed sucrose solutions supplemented with a PS86Q3 sporulated suspension, in a field assay using commercial beehives. No significant differences in larval mortality (as deduced by comparing the number of larvae, pupae and empty cells) were found between the Bt and control treatments. On the basis of the results presented here, the suitability of PS86Q3 for the control of Hymenopteran pests, particularly sawflies, in terms of both potency and environmental safety, is discussed.