Laboratory and field performance of bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) formulations against giant looper; Ascotis selenaria reciprocaria (Lepidoptera; Geometridae) in Kenya

Two Bacillus thuringiensis formulations were bioassayed and field evaluated against giant looper, Ascotis selenaria reciprocaria between 1995 and 1997. These were Xentari 3 percent WP (B.t.Subsp. aizawai) and Delfin 6.4 percent WP (B.t.Subsp.kurstaki). The two formulations effectively controlled the giant looper larvae and compared well with Dipel 2x and Thuricide HP both of which are recommended for use against gian looper in Kenya. Based on the results obtained, Xentari 3 percent WP and Delfin 6.4 percent at 10g and 5g per 20 litres of water (500g and 250 g per hectare), respectively, have been recommended for the control of giant looper larvae in Kenyan coffee