Improving efficacy of biopesticides through understanding mode of action

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Insecticides are used extensively to control agricultural pests, but options are increasingly limited owing to environmental and human health concerns. A biopesticide, Bt, provides a valuable ‘soft’ option for control of caterpillars that are amongst the world's most damaging insect pests. However, little is known about how ingested Bt kills insects and this knowledge gap constrains options to improve efficacy and to counter resistance. This project connects industry end users (Cotton RDC; Bayer CropScience) with research training (Macquarie University) and applied research (CSIRO) to model how Bt interacts with the insect gut. This model will make valuable contributions to ensuring sustained and improved efficacy of Bt biopesticides.