Effect of the nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora and the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis as integrated biocontrol agents of the black cutworm

The entomopathogenic nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora Pionar (HP 88) and the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis Berliner var.kurstaki were tested in the laboratory against the black cutworm, a widely distributed polyphagous insect pest of vegetables and field crops. The experiment was conducted under 15.7 °C (14 to 19 °C) to simulate the average winter temperature in Egypt. The two biocontrol agents influencedAgrotis ipsilon differently whereH. bacteriophora had a more promising control levels than that ofB. thuringiensis. Generally, nematode concentration of ca 500 infective juveniles/insect vial was highly effective (100% mortality) within nine days post nematode infection. The highest concentration of the bacteriumB. thuringiensis var.kurstaki (2,000 Intern. Units/mg) gave significant larval control after 12 days of bacterial infection. Combined effect of both the nematodes and the bacteria did not result in significantly greater control than that achieved by the nematodes used alone. The present results indicated that nematodes could be used successfully against the black cutworm,Agrotis ipsilon larvae during the winter which is the active season of this insect pest in Egypt.