New bacterium fights major pests

Scientists discovered a bacterium toxic to Colorado potato beetle larvae is also toxic to gypsy moth, small hive beetle and tobacco hornworm.

Agricultural Research Service scientists found a new bacterial species called Chromobacterium subtsugae. It was found in soil rich in decomposed hemlock leaves from the Catoctin Mountain region in central Maryland.

ARS licensed the pest control technology to Marrone Organic Innovations Inc. in Davis, Calif., and Natural Industries Inc. in Houston.

More studies are planned to test the degree of toxicity in gypsy moth.

While tobacco hornworm and gypsy moth weren’t killed by the bacteria, their weights were drastically reduced. Weights of tobacco hornworms fed the bacteria-laced diet were 24 milligrams, compared to 119 milligrams for insects that didn’t eat the bacteria. Gypsy moths that ate the bacteria weighed 40 percent less than gypsy moths that weren’t exposed.

Last year, a patent was granted for use of the bacterium as a biocontrol agent against western corn rootworm, southern corn rootworm, whiteflies and diamondback moth.

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For more: ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, (301) 504-6085; www.ars.usda.gov.