Use of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), Bala, Senegal

During the training course organised by The Ivory Foundation and Agrosemens in Senegal, Louis Marie Broucqsault and Cyriaque Crosnier Mangeat presented BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) as a solution for treating the pests that attack Moringa.

Louis Marie noted that Moringa leaves had been attacked and eaten.
In this case, he suggested using BT to combat the attack.
He recommended that the treatment should be carried out at the first signs of attack in order to limit its spread and protect the plant.

BT should be sprayed onto the plant, diluted at a rate of 5g per litre of water.
Apply as a “shock treatment” as soon as you see caterpillars or signs of attack on the leaves.
Apply particularly under the leaf. Do not apply as a preventive treatment.

Cyriaque explains the principle of BT.
Once the solution has been applied to the leaf and ingested by the worm, caterpillar or insect, the bacteria will develop in the insect’s digestive system and cause its death.
The insect will mummify and serve as food for birds, without any danger to its health, unlike a chemical treatment.
This bacterium occurs naturally in the soil. It is harmless to flora and fauna.