Optimizing the application of entomopathogenic nematodes.
A wide range of susceptible insect species encourages the wider use of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) as biological insecticides in plant production. So far, the complex expertise concerning the application of EPNs with a hydraulic sprayer is far from complete. At present there are a few guidelines on how biopesticides should be applied to optimize their performance in the field or in the glasshouse. Such guidelines are essential to obtain a good efficacy of the EPN products and to encourage the acceptance and use of biopesticides by growers. This article is a description of the first part of a recently started Ph.D.-research. This research will focus on the effect of spray application technique on the viability and deposition of EPNs (first part). Also the effect of different formulation types and the interaction of formulation and application technique on the viability of EPNs will be investigated (second part). Based on the results of experiments using a modular spray application system, recommendations regarding pump type, mixing system, nozzle type and formulation will be made.
Brusselman
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E
Instituut voor Landbouw- en Visserijonderzoek, Wetenschappelijke Instelling van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Belgium. Eva.Brusselman@ilvo.vlaanderen.be
Steurbaut
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W
Sonck
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B
D000383:Agriculture / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D009348:Nematoda / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects; D013045:Species Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013534:Survival