Formulation and application of entomopathogenic nematode-infected cadavers for control of Hoplia philanthus in turfgrass.
BACKGROUND
Commercially produced entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are usually applied in an aqueous suspension. However, recent studies demonstrate that they can be successfully applied as infected cadavers. EPN-infected insect cadavers were formulated in various carrier/coating materials, but only infective juveniles (IJs) from kaolin-formulated and non-formulated cadavers were tested for survival, emergence and virulence. The efficacy of IJs from kaolin-formulated and non-formulated cadavers applied against Hoplia philanthus Füessly in greenhouse and field was also assessed.


RESULTS
The kaolin-based formulation (kaolin-starch combination) proved to be the most stable. Emergence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar CLO51 from cadavers formulated in kaolin was significantly higher than from non-formulated cadavers. In greenhouse conditions, efficacy of freshly formulated (8 days post-infection) cadavers of H. bacteriophora provided significantly higher H. philanthus control (62%) than three-month-old cadavers (31%) or aqueous applications of the same EPN (39% and 43%). Similarly, under field conditions, significantly higher H. philanthus control was achieved with freshly formulated cadavers (39%) than with three-month-old cadavers (21%) or with aqueous applications (24% and 28%) of H. bacteriophora 2 weeks after application. Additionally, after 1 year, cadaver applications provided >90% H. philanthus control, while aqueous applications of H. bacteriophora gave only 55% control.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that kaolin-starch coating provided superior protection and preservation of EPN-infected cadavers. Use of formulated cadavers may solve several current problems preventing the wider utilisation of EPNs in pest management.
Ansari
Minshad A
MA
Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research, Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 96, B 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. m.a.ansari@swansea.ac.uk
Hussain
M Abid
MA
Moens
Maurice
M
D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000469:parasitology*; D007616:Kaolin; D009348:Nematoda / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000469:parasitology*; D013997:Time Factors
D007616:Kaolin