Effect of rapid and gradual increase of osmotic stress on survival of entomopathogenic nematodes

The effect of rapid and gradual exposure of entomopathogenic nematodes to osmotic stresses on the induction of a dormant state was determined with the nematodeSteinernema feltiae IS-6 infective juveniles (IJs). Rapid exposure of nematodes to glycerol at concentrations of 24% and 28% (w/w) caused the nematodes to enter a dormant state which was characterized by shrinking and impeded motility of all nematodes within 8 h. However, pre-exposure to gradually increasing glycerol concentrations of 5%, 10% and 18% at 4-h intervals resulted in dormancy after 4 h exposure to 24% glycerol. The total time of exposure to glycerol solution was 16 h in gradual osmotic stress. For nematodes exposed to 24% glycerol solution either rapidly or gradually, recovery occurred after 40 min in distilled water. Infectivity of osmotically stressedS. feltiae IJs was evaluated by two criteria, insect mortality and invasion rate. The assays indicated that infectivity of nematodes desiccated by rapid and gradual osmotic stresses was similar to that of fresh nematodes. Rapid exposure ofS. carpocapsae ‘All’,S. riobravis ‘Texas’,S. glaseri ‘NI’ andHeterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 IJs to the 24% glycerol solution resulted in dormancy within 8 h. These treatments caused mortality of 48.4% and 11.7% amongS. glaseri Nl andH. bacteriophora HP88 IJs, respectively. Similar effects were observed when these nematode species were exposed to increasing osmotic stress of 5%, 10% and 18% at 6-h intervals. Under these same conditions, mortality ofH. bacteriophora HP88 andS. glaseri Nl IJs was 27.5% and 61.8%, respectively. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 29, 2004.     

Entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae, heterorhabditidae) as control agents forParahypopta caestrum, a pest in the culture ofAsparagus officinalis

The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)Steinernema feltiae (under the trade name Entonem) andHeterorhabditis bacteriophora (under the trade name Larvanem) were evaluated as potential control agents ofParahypopta caestrum, the major pest of the asparagus crop in Greece. In laboratory experiments the two nematodes provided equal insect suppression, but significant differences were found in the time it took them to kill the larvae.S. feltiae caused high levels of mortality within 24 h and the highest level at 48 h. In contrast,H. bacteriophora required 96 h to achieve the highest level of mortality. In field experiments, the nematodes provided equal insect suppression as compared with the insecticide cadusaphos and the mixture teflubenzuron +Bacillus thuringiensis var.kurstaki. No significant differences were found in the effectiveness of the insecticides used, but there were significant differences between the control and treatments. The findings showed thatS. feltiae andH. bacteriophora could be used to control the insectP. caestrum in asparagus culture. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Jan. 10, 2007.     

Steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes for biological control of the giant looper,Boarmia selenaria

The pathogenicity of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes to caterpillars of the giant looper,Boarmia selenaria (Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), was determined under laboratory conditions. High mortality (over 80%) was achieved, in a petri dish bioassay, with a minimum of 20,000 infective juveniles (IJ) ofSteinernema carpocapsae (Filipjev) (=Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser), strain ‘All’. The LD₅₀ was 4250 IJ per caterpillar. Similar results were obtained withS. carpocapsae, strain ‘Mexican’,Steinernema sp., strain ‘CR’;Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, strain ‘HP88’; andHeterorhabditis sp., strain ‘IS’. The first and second instars were the most susceptible stages to nematode infection. A laboratory model assay indicated that 80–90% of the caterpillars were killed when they migrated to the soil to pupate; this occurred when IJ were applied to sandy and heavy soils at a concentration of 400 IJ/cm³ soil. A greenhouse test reconfirmed the effectiveness of utilizing the entomopathogenic nematodes in an “ambush” system against caterpillars migrating to the soil.     

Biological control potential of Turkish entomopathogenic nematodes against the Mediterranean fruit fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratitis capitata</Emphasis>

The entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema weiseri, S. feltiae, S. carpocapsae and two strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, isolated from Turkish soils, were evaluated against larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata in plastic cups under laboratory conditions with sandy loam soil and 10% moisture level. At a rate of 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/cm², the last instar larvae of C. capitata were susceptible to the entomopathogenic nematodes: the S. feltiae 09-31 strain recovered from Aydin provided 78% mortality, whereas S. weiseri and S. carpocapsae killed 50% and 56% of the larvae, respectively. Both strains of H. bacteriophora species caused less than 50% mortality. Except for S. feltiae, the majority of infected medflies died as prepupae or pupae within the puparia. More than 90% larval mortality was recorded at 200 and 400 IJs/cm² for S. feltiae. None of the nematode isolates infected the medfly pupae within the puparia. In pot experiments containing soil, S. feltiae caused 96% and 97% mortality at 100 and 200 IJs/cm², respectively. In pot experiments with grass present, more than 94% mortality was obtained in the presence of grass roots.     

Native entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from Turkey and their effectiveness on pine processionary moth,Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams

Two native entomopathogenic nematodes were isolated from soil samples in Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey and characterized based on 28S rDNA region. BLASTN homology and phylogenetic analysis of SK17 and SK-71 isolates indicated 98% and 99% identity to Steinernema affine and Steinernema feltiae, respectively. The results were constructed by neighbour-joining and bootstrap tree methods. Efficacy of S. affine (SK-17 strain) and S. feltiae (SK-71 strain) was tested against the larvae of pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, and remarkable mortality rates were obtained. Both strains caused complete mortality upon application of 500 IJs in foliar tests. However, the same strains caused 30% and 33% mortality at 80 IJs/cm² in soil applications. It was concluded that these native strains could be considered as potential biocontrol agents for reducing the damage caused by T. wilkinsoni larvae.     

Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes against larvae of the chestnut weevil,Curculio elephas (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a laboratory evaluation

Pest control in chestnut orchards is mainly achieved by chemicals, but there is growing focus on the potential use of biological control agents. The larval susceptibility of the chestnut weevil Curculio elephas L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to different strains/species of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes was evaluated in laboratory by soil cup bioassays. In the experiments with fungi, a wild strain of Metarhizium anisopliae caused the highest larval mortality (about 90%) compared with a commercial and a wild strain of Beauveria bassiana (80% and 77% respectively). Regarding nematodes, the commercial strain of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora was more effective in the control of chestnut larvae (77% insect mortality) than Steinernema carpocapsae (43%).     

Note: Molecular identification of three entomopathogenic nematodes from turkey by PCR-RFLP of the ITS regions

Molecular identification methods are widely used for the classification of organisms worldwide. Entomopathogenic nematodes are the most often isolated insect parasitic nematodes in the tropical and subtropical regions. In our investigation, PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction — Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) of the ITS region (Internal Transcribed Spacer) on the ribosomal (r) DNA of three entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from Ankara, Turkey, was analyzed for identification. The ITS region of rDNA was amplified by PCR and then digested with the following nine restriction enzymes: Alu I, Dde I, Hae III, Hha I, Hind III, Hinf I, Hpa II, Rsa I and Sau 3AI. The amplified and restricted sequences of the ITS regions were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and the RFLP patterns of these three species were shown in this study. According to our results, these species were identified asSteinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae andHeterorhabditis bacteriophora. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Nov. 4, 2005.     

Sensitivity of caterpillars of the pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini to native isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract

The pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pini (Lasiocampidae) is one of the most dangerous pests of pine Pinus sylvestris stands in Central Europe. To develop biological control method of this pest, the bioassay was made to assess the sensitivity of D. pini caterpillars to native EPMs strains representing two species: Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis megidis in laboratory conditions. The results showed higher activity of S. feltiae strains which parasitized 86.7 - 100% of D. pini caterpillars, compared to the 20-100% of insects parasitized by H. megidis strain. Most nematodes were found in caterpillars treated with S. feltiae (in average 40 IJs/caterpillar), the least – in individuals parasitized by H. megidis (in average IJs/caterpillar). No effect of dose and temperature on parasitizm was found with S. feltiae strains while in H. megidis increased doses resulted in higher extensity of parasitism. The results indicate higher biological activity of S. feltiae strains and advisability of their further studies in field experiments.     

Screening for environmental stress-tolerant entomopathogenic nematodes virulent against cotton bollworms

A total of 27 entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains originally isolated from different cotton fields were characterized in laboratory experiments for their virulence, reproductive potential and environmental tolerance. The EPN strain collections included 16 Steinernema carpocapsae (SC), three Steinernema siamkayai (SS), one Steinernema monticolum (SM), and seven Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB). Their virulence was tested against cotton bollworms such as the American bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, the spotted bollworm Earias vittella and the cotton leafworm Spodoptera litura. Larvae of H. armigera, E. vittella and S. litura were susceptible to all the tested EPN species/strains with significant differences among EPN species/strains. The most virulent strains were APKS2 (SC), TRYH1 (HB) KKMH1 (HB) and KKMH2 (HB) on H. armigera (91.9–93.5% mortality); KKMS1 (SC), APKS2 (SC), TRYH1 (HB), KKMH1 (HB), KKMH2 (HB) and APKH1 (HB) on E. vittella (92.7% mortality); and APKS2, TRYH1, KKMH1, KKMH2 and KKMH3 on S. litura (92.7% mortality). The results of the invasion rate assay indicated that the EPN strains more virulent against the target host had greater invasion rates. In the multiplication assay, KKMH1and OCMS1 (SC) produced a greater number of infective juveniles (IJs) (32.1–32.4 x 1000 IJs/ cadaver) in Carcyra cephalonica. Test for tolerance to heat at 40°C for 2 h revealed that KKMH1, TRYH1, KKMH2, KKMS1 and APKS2 were highly tolerant (>85% survival). IJs exposed to ambient room conditions (27–29°C; 65–70% r.h.) for 2 h showed that APKS2, OCMS1 and KKMS1 were more tolerant (68–69% survival) of rapid desiccation than others. APKS2, KKMS1 and KKMH1 showed better survival (70–73%) in slow desiccation assay when exposed to 25°C with 97% r.h. for 72 h, followed by 25°C with 93% r.h. for 48 h. The H. bacteriophora KKMH1 and S. carpocapsae APKS2 performed best in nine traits out of ten tested, followed by H. bacteriophora TRYH1, which performed best for six traits. It is suggested that the EPN strains KKMH1 and APKS2 could be deployed for a cotton bollworm management program after testing their performance under field conditions.     

Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for biocontrol of the european corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis, on sweet corn in Israel

The potential of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of the European corn borer (ECB),Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), was evaluated under laboratory, screenhouse and field conditions. The ‘All’ and ‘Mexican’ strains ofSteinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) and the ‘HP88’ strain ofHeterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar were compared in both dose response assays (5, 50 and 500 infective juveniles [IJ] per petri dish containing five 5th-instar ECB eggs; 72 h of incubation) and exposure time assays (3, 6 and 9 h of incubation). In the dose response assays the highest rates of ECB killing resulted from infestation with the Mexican strain ofS. carpocapsae. In the exposure time assays there were no significant differences between the killing rates of the three nematode strains. Sweet corn plants(Zea mays var.saccharata) grown in a screenhouse, were infested with ECB neonates and 4 days later sprayed with a suspension of the Mexican strain ofS. carpocapsae (50,000 IJ per plant). The number of ECB larvae found on treated corn plants after one week was significantly (P=0.05) lower (3- to 5-fold) than the number found on untreated plants. Similar treatment in the field significantly reduced the rate of economic ear damage from 20% to 5%. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 2260-E, 1997 series     

Desiccation survival of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genusHeterorhabditis

The present study aims at determining the desiccation tolerance of entomopathogenic nematodes from the genusHeterorhabditis recently isolated in Israel. We first verified the most suitable desiccation conditions that lead to induction of the anhydrobiotic state usingHeterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88. After direct exposure of infective juveniles (IJs) to 97% and 93% r.h. for 96 h, the survival rate was > 70%. By contrast, exposing HP88 IJs to 88% and 85% r.h. resulted in poor survival (< 10%) or complete mortality. Following exposure to 97% and 93% r.h. for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h, survival ranged from 68% to 79% with no significant differences between the exposure periods. Stepwise reduction of r.h. conditions (97% > 93% > 88% > 85% r.h.) at a 24-h or 72-h interval resulted in enhanced survival (30% survival) of IJs at the final r.h. level compared with IJs which were either directly exposed to 85% r.h. (0% survival) or were preconditioned at the higher r.h. levels prior to exposure to 85% r.h. (15% survival).H. bacteriophora HP88 IJs were able to survive for at least 18 days after preconditioning. At 97% r.h. nematode viability remained stable at 70–85% and at 93% r.h. survival ranged between 37% and 60%. The data indicate that survival is influenced by rate of water removal from the nematode’s body and a minimal relative humidity level (>93%). Substantial differences in survival ability were observed among IJs of 12 new heterorhabditid populations, isolated from different climatic regions in Israel, which were preconditioned at 97% r.h. for 72 h following by an additional 72 h at 93% r.h. Maximum survival was recorded with HIS-19 (64%), moderate (40–55%) survival was observed with seven isolates, includingH. bacteriophora HP88, and five isolates displayed poor (<25%) desiccation tolerance. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel, No. 502-99, 1999 series.     

Evaluation of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae as a biological control agent of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci

We evaluated the potential for using infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae to control the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci B biotype on cucumber, hibiscus, and collard, under greenhouse conditions. The effects of four adjuvants (PVA, glycerol, Triton X-100, and horticultural spraying oil) on the efficiency of Steinernema feltiae in B. tabaci control were also assessed because they might increase nematode survival by reducing desiccation. The mortality of B. tabaci nymphs increased by 18, 18, and 20% on collard, hibiscus, and cucumber plants when S. feltiae concentration increased from 5000 to 15,000 infective juveniles/mL. When treated with S. feltiae (10000 infective juveniles/mL), second instar nymphs suffered greater mortality than the other instars of B. tabaci, regardless of host plant species. Mortality of B. tabaci nymphs was higher on hibiscus than on collard and cucumber plants. The use of adjuvants greatly increased infection of B. tabaci by S. feltiae. The combination of S. feltiae (10,000 infective juveniles/mL) and 1% horticultural spraying oil increased the mortality of second instar B. tabaci nymphs to 86% on collard and 90% on hibiscus, while the combination of S. feltiae and 0.1% Triton X-100 caused 83% mortality on collard and 89% on hibiscus. The potential for incorporating S. feltiae and the adjuvants in B. tabaci management is discussed.     

Biological control of the Western flower thripsFrankliniella occidentalis in cucumber using the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae

Biological control of the western flower thrips (WFT)Frankliniella occidentalis, using the entomopathogenicMetarhizium anisopliae-7 (M. a-7) strain was studied in three consecutive seasons under greenhouse conditions. Cucumber plants infested with WFT were sprayed with spore suspension of the fungusM. a-7 (0.5 g m^-2), or the soil was treated with dry powder of the fungus (0.5 g m^-2); the control was without fungus application. In the 1997 spring experiment, when the cucumber plants were initially infested with only three or four insects per leaf, the spore suspension spray caused a significant reduction in growth of the thrips population compared with the other treatments and the control. However, in the 1997 summer experiment, when the plants were initially heavily infested with WFT (10–15 insects per leaf), the spray treatment caused only a modest reduction in WFT population growth, and only after 4 weeks of treatment was the reduction significant. In the 1999 experiment, with a low initial WFT population of three or four insects per leaf, the spray treatment was effective in reducing the population growth to a lower level than in the other treatments or control. TheM. a-7 strain was found to be effective in reducing the population growth of WFT under greenhouse conditions, particularly when the initial thrips population was low to moderate. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Nov. 4, 2001.     

The proportion of viruliferous individuals in field populations of Frankliniella occidentalis: Implications for tomato spotted wilt virus epidemics in tomato

Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) infected plants and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Perg., WFT) adult population densities were monitored during 1993 and 1994 in field tomatoes in Northeastern Spain. The proportion of viruliferous WFT adults in field populations was quantified. A significant association has been found between early population densities of WFT adult thrips and final TSWV incidence for early transplanted tomato crops. In contrast, for late transplanted tomato crops, whereas similar high final disease incidences of TSWV could be attained, very low WFT adult population densities were always detected. The significantly higher infectious potential of WFT populations collected during the early growth stages of late transplanted tomatoes could be relevant for the TSWV incidences attained in spite of the low thrips numbers detected.     

Laboratory evaluation of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes for control of the beetleMaladera matrida

The potential use of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes against the beetleMaladera matrida Argaman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) was determined under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Infective juveniles (IJ’s) of the nematodeHeterorhabditis sp., Hp88 strain, mixed with soil at a concentration as low as 50 IJ’s/cm³ soil, resulted in 86% control. No increase in control was obtained with higher nematode concentrations. Soil surface application of the nematodes at concentrations of 160 and 640 IJ’s/cm² was sufficient to obtain 87% and 86% mortality, respectively, even at a depth of 40 cm below the soil surface. TheHeterorhabditis sp. Hp88 strain was found to be the most pathogenic to the beetle grubs at 25°C. Lower control levels of 30-47% were achieved byHeterorhabditis sp. HL81 strain,S. feltiae ‘All’ strain and 5.bibionis CR strain. The nematodeHeterorhabditis sp. BS strain did not have any effect on insect mortality. However, at a temperature of 16°C, the HL81 strain ofHeterorhabditis sp. was the most effective. Grubs 3-5 wk old were found to be the most susceptible developmental stage of infection ofHeterorhabditis sp. Hp88 strain. Pupae, which were exposed to the nematodes in the same experimental regime, were not affected. The results obtained in the present study suggest thatM. matrida is an attractive candidate for biological control by entomoparasitic nematodes.     

Seasonal abundance of the western flower thripsFrankliniella occidentalis in the arava valley of Israel

Flowers of 22 plant species grown in the Arava region of Israel were sampled at periodic intervals to study the seasonal abundance ofFrankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Samples were collected from the most common cut-flower and vegetable plant species in this area during 1997 and from pepper in 1996–1998. Western flower thrips (WFT) was detected on 19 of the plant species surveyed, and it reproduced on numerous plant species. WFT counts peaked in late February–April and in October–December. The peak density of WFT during March in our survey corresponded to the peak flowering of cut-flower plants (during spring) and sweet pepper (during autumn). Thrips population was less abundant during autumn than in spring and was very low during summer. The possible reasons for fluctuations in thrips densities are abiotic factors (temperature and relative humidity), and availability of flowering plants. The high temperature (>40°C) and low humidity (∼20%) in summer caused a drastic reduction in WFT populations, although some flowering plant species were available in this season. WFT population remained low until October, when adults appeared in large numbers on flowering pepper. We assume that the thrips had survived the hottest months by aestivation and migrated to the plants when air temperature decreased. In most samples from the cut-flower fields, 84.8% were adult WFT; only during the period from the end of January to March, did the proportion of immature stages in the thrips population increase to 31.6%. Females always outnumbered males (71% females). In pepper fields during the first cropping month the thrips population included 96% adults; from November onwards, the proportions of adults and immatures were almost equal; and females outnumbered males. Organic pepper fields were not infested with thrips because of the presence of the predatory bugOrius albidipennis (Fieber). Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 534/00, 2000 series. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 16, 2002.     

昆虫病原线虫对小地老虎的致病力测定及防治效果

为探讨应用昆虫病原线虫防治小地老虎技术的可行性,采用培养皿滤纸法比较9个品系的昆虫病原线虫对小地老虎幼虫的致病力,同时通过盆栽试验验证了斯氏线虫属小卷蛾斯氏线虫Steinernema carpocapsae NC116品系、芫菁夜蛾斯氏线虫S.feltiae SF-SN品系和异小杆线虫属嗜菌异小杆线虫Heterorhabditis bacteriphora H06品系的保苗效果和防治效果,并测定了苦参碱与NC116品系混用对小地老虎3龄幼虫的联合作用效果。结果表明,NC116品系对小地老虎3龄幼虫致病力最高,其对3龄、4龄和5龄的LD50分别为2.4、7.5、和31.2条/头,表明随小地老虎幼虫龄期递增,其致病力下降。盆栽玉米苗上分别施用线虫100~200条/头时,对玉米保苗效果及对小地老虎3龄幼虫的控制效果依次为NC116H06SF-SN。0.8 mg/L苦参碱和NC116品系混用后,可使小地老虎3龄幼虫死亡率提高109.89%,二者表现增效作用。     

Note: Extrapolating the use of an entomopathogenic nematode and fungus as control agents forFrankliniella occidentalis toThrips palmi

Little is known regarding non-chemical control measures againstThrips palmi Karny. Since entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes have been found to be active against thrips species such asFrankliniella occidentalis Pergande, comparative bioassays were conducted to determine the extent to which they also show activity againstT. palmi. Significant mortality of the larvae of the species was recorded following treatment withLecanicillium muscarium (Petch) Zare and Gams, and addition of the wetting agent Agral enhanced pathogenicity toT. palmi. T. palmi pupae were not affected byS. feltiae. The potential for use of these agents againstT. palmi in the field is discussed in the light of these results. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Aug. 28, 2005.     

Auswirkungen des Einsatzes entomopathogener Nematoden im Freiland auf die Nichtzielfauna, 1. Teil: Coleoptera

Von 1988 bis 1990 wurden in vier verschiedenen Gebieten (Buchen-Eichen-Mischwald, Kiefernwaldrand, Getreidefeld und Obstgarten) in der Umgebung von Darmstadt Freilandversuche mit den NematodenstämmenSteinernema feltiae und denHeterorhabditis-Stämmen HL 81 und HD 01 durchgeführt, um deren Auswirkungen auf die Nichtzielfauna zu untersuchen. Die Aufwandmengen lagen bei 0,6 bis 1,0×10⁶ Nematodenlarven/m². Die Käferfauna wurde mit Hilfe von Bodenphotoeklektoren über mehrere Wochen bis Monate auf den nematodenbehandelten Flächen und auf unbehandelten Kontrollflächen erfaßt. Den Schwerpunkt der Auswertungen bildeten die Familien Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae und Elateridae. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, daß anscheinend nur wenige Arten einzelner Käferfamilien durch den Nematodeneinsatz beeinträchtigt wurden. Andere Arten traten dagegen auf den behandelten Flächen wesentlich häufiger auf als auf den Kontrollflächen. Mögliche Ursachen für diese Effekte werden diskutiert.From 1988 to 1990 field trials with entomopathogenic nematodes were conducted in four different areas (beech-oakforest, pine-forest margin, crop field and orchard) in the surroundings of Darmstadt (FRG). The nematodes used in the trials wereSteinernema feltiae Fil. f.filipjew (syn.S. bibionis Bov.) and theHeterorhabditis strains HL 81 and HD 01; the nematode concentration was 0.6 to 1.0×10⁶ nematodes/m². The coleopteran fauna of treated areas and untreated control plots was investigated by means of photoeclectors. Most attention was paid to the coleopteran families Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae and Elateridae. Only a few species of these families seemed to be affected by the nematode application; some other beetle species could be collected even in higher numbers on the treated plots than on the untreated control plots. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed.

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Mit einer Abbildung und 2 Tabellen     

Potential biopesticides for crucifer flea beetle, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllotreta cruciferae</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) management under dryland canola production in Montana

The crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), is an economically important and dominant pest of canola (Brassica napus L) in the Northern Great Plains of the USA. The current flea beetle management strategy is based on using synthetic chemical treated seeds and if necessary, foliar spray of chemicals at canola seedlings in early spring for targeting adult population. However, there is an increasing demand for development of alternative management strategies for P. cruciferae pertaining to concerns over the development of resistance to synthetic insecticides and non-target effects on pollinators and other beneficial insects. Replicated field trials were conducted to test the efficacy of several commercially available biopesticides including Entrust® (spinosad), entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae?+?Barricade® (polymer gel 1%), Aza-Direct® (azadirachtin), Pyganic 1.4® EC (pyrethrin), Grandevo® SC (Chromobacterium subtsugae), Venerate® XC (Heat killed Burkholderia sp. strain A396 as seed treatment and foliar application) and Gaucho® (imidacloprid) (chemical check) for the P. cruciferae management at two locations (Conrad and Sweetgrass) of Montana in 2016. Biopesticide products were evaluated based on canola leaf area injury ratings and seed yield levels. Although, there was no clear trend of canola yield increase, selected biopesticide treatments were effective in maintaining low leaf area injury ratings as compared to untreated control. Entrust was able to maintain low leaf area injury ratings (8.5–14.5%) when compared to untreated control (16.0–21.4%) at both the locations. Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae?+?Barricade® and Venerate® applied as foliar treatments maintained significantly lower feeding injury pressure at Sweetgrass (11.8%) and Conrad (13.4%) locations respectively, when compared to the untreated control. Our study results suggest that these biopesticide treatment results were comparable in efficacy to the chemical seed treatment Gaucho®. Other two biopesticide products- Aza-Direct® and Pyganic 1.4® EC treatments did not provide effective control of P. cruciferae at both the locations.