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plantnutz Austell, GA(Zone 7a) Sep 12, 2003

Where can I find this? Have they taken it off the market? I've been looking locally and have not seen it. I near near Atlanta, GA.

Thanks,

Brenda

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CoCo Sep 13, 2003

Now, this is going to be a very stupid question, I'm sure. But what is BT? I must admit, I have never heard of it. Please fill this little ole lady in on what BT is.


I know Who BT is; a singing artist, but I'm pretty sure you're not talking about him. lol

Post #646604
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ButterflyGardnr Orlando, FL(Zone 9b) Sep 13, 2003

BT is Bacillus thurnigiensis var. kurstaki. It's a naturally occurring bacteria which, when ingested by any caterpillar, gives it a bad tummy ache and it dies. There are also forms sold to kill mosquito larvae and a few other insects, some of them are a different species/subspecies of Bacillus.

Here's some basic information on Bt: http://helios.bto.ed.ac.uk/bto/microbes/bt.htm
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/IPM/ento/j556.html
http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/fact_sheets/ipmtools/Bt.pdf

Plantnutz: look for Thuricide or Dipel dust--that's what it's typically sold as in the garden centers. If you can't find it in the stores, you can order it online at Gardens Alive!: http://www.gardensalive.com/item_display.asp?ProductNumber=8137

I recommend you buy the powder form of this--you can dust it directly on the plants or mix it in water for greater control during application. Also, the liquid form is active bacteria which must be carefully stored (no extreme hot or cold temps) and will only remain viable for about 6 monthts, maybe a year at the most. The powder is good forever as the bacteria are dormant (I think encysted is the correct biological term--where are the parasitologists?)

Post #646646
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CoCo Sep 13, 2003

Ok, now I feel really really stupid, but hey, learned something today.
Thank you

Post #647177
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ButterflyGardnr Orlando, FL(Zone 9b) Sep 13, 2003

Coco, don't feel stupid. There is NO SUCH THING as a stupid question! (Can you tell both my parents were teachers???) I didn't know about Bt until my dad mentioned it when I told him my 'maters were getting mowed down by these huge, fat worms! Whenever there are caterpillar problems, I turn to Bt. I have to be VERY careful not to get it anywhere near my b'fly gardens so I don't kill the little cats that I WANT.

Post #647538
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rylaff Niceville, FL(Zone 8b) Sep 28, 2003

I found thuricide at Walmart, but that was earlier this year.

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