Microbial Pesticides

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-017182",
  "term": "Microbial Pesticides",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Microorganisms that kill or inhibit pests, including insects or other microorganisms. Sometimes microorganisms get rid of pests simply by growing larger in numbers, using up the pests' food supply, and invading the pests' environment.\n\n2. Microorganisms that produce a pesticidal effect that are: (1) eukaryotic microorganisms including, but not limited to, protozoa, algae, and fungi; (2) prokaryotic microorganisms, including, but not limited to, bacteria; or (3) autonomous replicating microscopic elements, including, but not limited to, viruses. Microbial pesticides can control many different kinds of pests, although each separate active ingredient is relatively specific for its target pest(s). For example, there are fungi that control certain weeds and other fungi that kill specific insects. The most widely used microbial pesticides are subspecies and strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. Each strain of this bacterium produces a different mix of proteins and specifically kills one or a few related species of insect larvae. While some Bt's control moth larvae found on plants, other Bt's are specific for larvae of flies and mosquitoes. The target insect species are determined by whether the particular Bt produces a protein that can bind to a larval gut receptor, thereby causing the insect larvae to starve.",
  "subject": "Chemicals, toxics and pesticides",
  "references": [
    "Pesticides Glossary; EPA 2005e",
    "PRIA Fee Determination Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/microbial-pesticides/"
}