Btk

Question 1

Btk affects only Lepidoptera, because they have THIS

Answer 1

Alkaline gut

This affects their ability to feed, and so they starve to death

Question 2

The Btk bacterium releases an endotoxin that poisons THIS system

Answer 2

Digestive system

Alkaline gut facilitates the binding of the bacteria to receptors

Question 3

Btk is most effective on gypsy moths when administered at THIS life stage

Answer 3

Caterpillar (actively feeding)

This is the active feeding stage, and at this time the caterpillars are able to ingest the poison

Question 4

Applications of Btk should be spaced THIS many days apart

Answer 4

10 days

Question 5

2 hours without THIS is required for Btk to properly stick to foliage

Answer 5

Rain/ Precipitation

Question 6

Ground spraying of Btk is less effective when THIS part of the tree is very high up

Answer 6

Tree crown/ foliage

The caterpillars feed on foliage, and they would not be close to the ground

Question 7

What is a major limitation of Aerial spraying Btk as opposed to ground spraying?
A. Much higher costs
B. Not Thorough enough 
C. Higher risk to other living things
D. Weather can reduce effectiveness

Answer 7

D. Weather can reduce effectiveness

Question 8

Btk was first isolated in 1902 from what type of diseased insect?

Answer 8

A Silkworm

Question 9

How effective is Btk in controlling gypsy moth caterpillars?

Answer 9

Btk kills 80%- 85% of gypsy moth caterpillars with each spray

Question 10

THIS would happen if a human ingested Btk?

Answer 10

Nothing

Question 11

When spraying Btk for population control THIS is the best time to do it?

Answer 11

Late in the Season

Question 12

When spraying Btk for foliage protection THIS is the best time to do it?

Answer 12

Early in the Season

Question 13

What are some negative public perceptions about Btk?

Answer 13

• Dead songbirds and turtles
• Dogs with runny noses
• Makes it rain
• Causes crazed bugs to deliberately fly into our eyes