Traits of the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb-EG strain), for potential biocontrol in strawberry fields

Résumé

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can provide a substantial control, especially of the root feeding larval pests. The objective of the present study was to examine beneficial traits of an indigenous entomopathogenic nematode species,Heterorhabditis bacteriophoraPoinar (Hb-EG strain), and to identify superior biocontrol candidates for suppression of the scarab beetleTemnorhynchus baal(Reiche & Saulcy) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) larvae as serious pests of strawberry in Egypt. The nematodes were applied to infect the greater wax moth,Galleria mellonellaL. cadavers, to represent natural emergence from the host in laboratory and under field conditions. Its average yield was 49604 infective juveniles (IJs) perG. mellonellalarva. Overall averages of nematode-induced mortality inG.mellonellalarvae were (4.63, 3.12, and 1.92) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, after continuous weekly baiting with 5 cadavers. Nematode capability for infection and reproduction ranged from 72 to 26% one to five months, respectively, after field inoculation of the infected larvae into the strawberry rhizosphere. The number of IJs, moved to the North of the rhizosphere, was significantly (P≤ 0.05) less than that moved to the South or the East as reflected by the numbers of infected insects. The factors that may have a marked influence on EPN foraging behavior, persistence, and movement direction with implications for harnessing them as biological pest control agents were discussed.

Citer ce document

Accès au document

Ce document est hébergé sur son dépôt institutionnel d'origine.

Auteur(s)

Statistiques

Consultations : 1

Téléchargements : 0