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Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against larvae of Tuta absoluta in the laboratory
Author(s) -
Van Damme Veerle M,
Beck Bert KEG,
Berckmoes Els,
Moerkens Rob,
Wittemans Lieve,
De Vis Raf,
Nuyttens David,
Casteels Hans F,
Maes Martine,
Tirry Luc,
De Clercq Patrick
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4195
Subject(s) - tuta absoluta , heterorhabditis bacteriophora , instar , biology , larva , rhabditida , horticulture , biological pest control , toxicology , heterorhabditis , veterinary medicine , botany , gelechiidae , medicine
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated the control potential of entomopathogenic nematodes ( EPNs ) against Tuta absoluta . Here, the potential of Steinernema feltiae , S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is studied when applied against larvae of T. absoluta inside leaf mines in tomato leaf discs by means of an automated spray boom. RESULTS The studied EPN species were effective against all four larval instars of T. absoluta but caused higher mortality in the later instars (e.g. fourth instar: 77.1–97.4% mortality) than in the first instars (36.8–60.0% mortality). Overall, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae yielded better results than H. bacteriophora . Steinernema carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora performed better at 25 °C (causing 55.3 and 97.4% mortality respectively) than at 18 °C (causing 12.5 and 34.2% mortality respectively), whereas S. feltiae caused 100% mortality at both temperatures. Under optimal spraying conditions and with the use of Addit and Silwet L‐77 adjuvants, a reduced dosage of 6.8 infective juveniles ( IJs ) cm −2 yielded equally good control as a recommended dosage of 27.3 IJs cm −2 . CONCLUSION Under laboratory conditions, S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae showed good potential against the larvae of T. absoluta inside tomato leaf mines. Results need to be confirmed in greenhouse experiments. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry