Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Bacillus Thuringiensis As A Biological Control Agent For Agricultural Pests

Abstract

This article is part of a broader study, developed since 2022 and resumed in 2024 in the village of El Cielo, Corregimiento de Valencia de Jesús, in the municipality of Valledupar. As an innovative element, within the work methodology, psycho-social accompaniment was provided from the Popular University of Cesar to the families who were part of the study. The main trial was based on a quantitative experiment with a randomized whole block design to investigate the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control agent for agricultural pests, given its high entomological activity and the internal presence of protein crystals forming during sporulation, whose function is to protect the spores from ultraviolet rays. The objective was to determine the potential of Bt in reducing pests, contributing to reduce environmental pollution caused by chemical products. To this end, three types of pests were selected, on which Bt was applied, whose effectiveness was evaluated according to the level of population reduction. The results showed that a correct application of the active strain of Bt in the biological process can be considered an effective biological control against the mentioned pests. In comparison, the application of chemical insecticides can cause environmental damage and even affect beneficial fauna. The contributions of Bacillus thuringiensis Bt include the minimization of environmental impacts, the reduction of production costs and the increase in production.