Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents of Ticks

This research project was aimed to create a basis for the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae an Heterorhabditidae) for biological control of ticks. The specific objectives were to determinate: 1) Nematode virulence to various. 2) Host-parasite interactions of nametodes and ticks. 3) Effect of environmental factors of tick habitats on nematode activity. 4) To test nematodes (anti tick activity) in defined field trials. Throughout the project 12 nematode strains from five species were tested in laboratory assays against all developmental stages of eight tick species. All tick species were found susceptible to nematode infection. The nematode strains the IS-5 and IS-12 of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were found to be the most virulent. Engorged adults, particularly females, were the most susceptible stages. Despite the high susceptibility, ticks are not suitable hosts for nematode development and propagation. Entomopathogenic namatodes enter ticks and kill them by releasing the symbiotic bacteria from their foregut. Under favorable conditions, i.e. moist soil, moderate temperature (22-27oC) and sandy soil, nematode efficacy against B. annulatus engorged females was very high (>5% w/w) and high animal manure concentration in soil adversely effect nematode efficacy. In field trails, nematodes were effective when soil moisture was maintained at high levels. The results indicate that under favorable conditions the nematodes show promise as a biological control method for ticks. However, we still face several potential obstacles to the use of nematodes under less favorable conditions.