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October 2025

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New pest control alternative: Bacillus thuringiensis

by Helfenbein,Paula

Dear all, from this week onwards we offer a new pest control alternative against black flies (Fungus gnat) at the MPL growth chambers in the 8th floor. You will find a new canister in the green cupboard in the sowing room filled with Bacillus thuringiensis - a bacteria solution that can be used as a natural pest control for insects due to its natural occurring toxicity (<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (<i>Bt</i>) Fact Sheet<https://www.npic.orst.edu/factsheets/btgen.html>). The application is very similar to the ones of nematodes: mix 5 ml of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) solution with 1 litre of water in the green watering can and water your pots generously before sowing. Repeat the treatment every ~3 weeks. We will continue to offer nematodes as before in the fridge, the Bt solution is just an alternative to nematodes. It is necessary to apply either one of the pest control treatments, not both of them! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us! Best regards, Paula [cid:cdaa855c-66f4-4921-bc6b-4e75a8f53f0a] P.S.: Please always put the canister and the watering can back into the green cupboard and close the door (as Bt has to be stored in dark), thank you :) [VBC Logo] Paula Helfenbein Core Technician, Plant Sciences Facility M +43 664 80847 7980 paula.helfenbein(a)vbcf.ac.at<mailto:paula.helfenbein@vbcf.ac.at> Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities GmbH Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3 1030 Vienna Austria www.vbcf.ac.at<https://www.vbcf.ac.at/>

Oct. 6, 2025