The potential of Bacillus thuringiensis as a biological control agent in the order Diptera

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a spore-forming gram-positive bacterium that produces a variety of insecticidal proteins effective against various insect orders, especially Diptera. This review highlights the diversity, mode of action, and target specificity of Bt toxins-mainly Cry and Cyt proteins-against dipteran pests, including mosquitoes (Aedes, Anopheles, Culex), houseflies (Musca domestica), and fruit flies (Bactrocera spp). Some Bt serovars, particularly Bt israelensis, produce synergistic toxic combinations with higher larvicidal activity. The review also examines bioassay findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of purified delta-endotoxins and recombinant strains for integrated vector control. In particular, Bt kyushuensis (strain Btk176) showed promising activity against M. domestica, suggesting a new bioinsecticide candidate. The ecological specificity and low environmental toxicity of Bt make it a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides for pest control of dipteran.