Laboratory screening of nematodes isolated from south australia for potential as biocontrol agents of helicid snails
The helicid snails Cernuella virgata, Theba pisana, Cochlicella acuta, and Cochlicella barbara are introduced pests in grain crops and pastures in southern Australia. A survey for nematodes with potential for biocontrol of these snails was carried out and six local nematode isolates were tested for their ability to kill C. virgata, T. pisana, and C. acuta using a soil-based laboratory bioassay. The rhabditid isolate R 954 was highly pathogenic to all three snail species with mortality increasing with increasing nematode densities and exposure time. C. acuta was most susceptible to R 954. In addition, high mortalities followed exposure of C. acuta to two cephalobid isolates, C 916 and C 920. Snail mortality caused by the other nematode isolates tested was too low for further consideration as possible biocontrol agents. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
Charwat
SM
Department of Applied and Molecular Ecology, The University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia.
Davies
KA