A simple technique for determining relative toxicities of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Israelensis formulations against larval blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

A laboratory system for assaying the potency of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis formulations against larval blackflies was developed. An orbital shaker was used to create a water current in 250-ml Erlenmeyer flasks containing the test larvae. This system produced dose-mortality relationships with acceptable statistical parameters.