Authors :
Nona Mikaia
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/326c6zwb
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/ykpwmdhc
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14591130
Abstract :
The June beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis), a
significant pest that affects grass, vegetables, and
ornamental plants, causes substantial damage through its
root-feeding larvae and foliage-feeding adults. This study
evaluates the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as
biological control agents against the fourth instar larvae
of the June beetle. Two nematode species, Heterorhabditis
bacteriophora and a local strain, Steinernema tsagveriensis
sp.n., were tested for efficacy at various concentrations
(2000 and 3500 infective juveniles per milliliter) and
temperatures (25°C and 35°C). Results showed that H.
bacteriophora achieved a mortality rate of 78%, while S.
tsagveriensis sp.n. resulted in a mortality rate of 56%. The
optimal conditions for nematode application included a
suspension concentration of at least 2000 infective
juveniles per milliliter and a temperature of 25°C. These
findings underscore the effectiveness of both nematode
species as ecologically sustainable solutions for
controlling A. solstitialis, with H. bacteriophora
demonstrating higher efficacy.
Keywords :
Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora, Amphimallon Solstitialis, Biological Control, Temperature. Concentration of Nematode Suspension.
References :
- Grewal, P. S., & Samish, M. (2005). Entomopathogenic nematodes for pest control. Insect Pathology, 437-459.
- Koppenhofer, A. M., & Grewal, P. S. (2004). Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as a biological control agent: factors influencing its effectiveness. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 85(2), 167-174.
- Babar, S. N., & Grewal, P. S. (2006). Effectiveness of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae for controlling soil insect pests. Biological Control, 36(1), 23-28.
- Kaya, H. K., & Gaugler, R. (1993). Entomopathogenic nematodes. Annual Review of Entomology, 38(1), 181-206.
- Georgis, R., & Poinar, G. O. (1991). Biological control of insect pests with nematodes. In: Insect Pathology (pp. 405-447).
- Ehlers, R. U. (2001). Biological control of insect pests using entomopathogenic nematodes. Annual Review of Entomology, 46(1), 235-259.
- Brown, I. J., & Marshall, D. S. (2004). Influence of environmental conditions on the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes. Pest Management Science, 60(4), 328-336.
- Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., & Gaugler, R. (2002). Effects of host availability on the efficacy of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis nematodes. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 80(2), 150-158.
- Koppenhofer, A. M., & Fu, D. (2007). Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as a biological control agent: A review of its characteristics, use, and potential. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 17(2), 103-112.
- Glare, T. R., & O'Callaghan, M. (2000). Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Systematics, Pathogenesis, and Application. Wallingford: CABI Publishing.
The June beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis), a
significant pest that affects grass, vegetables, and
ornamental plants, causes substantial damage through its
root-feeding larvae and foliage-feeding adults. This study
evaluates the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as
biological control agents against the fourth instar larvae
of the June beetle. Two nematode species, Heterorhabditis
bacteriophora and a local strain, Steinernema tsagveriensis
sp.n., were tested for efficacy at various concentrations
(2000 and 3500 infective juveniles per milliliter) and
temperatures (25°C and 35°C). Results showed that H.
bacteriophora achieved a mortality rate of 78%, while S.
tsagveriensis sp.n. resulted in a mortality rate of 56%. The
optimal conditions for nematode application included a
suspension concentration of at least 2000 infective
juveniles per milliliter and a temperature of 25°C. These
findings underscore the effectiveness of both nematode
species as ecologically sustainable solutions for
controlling A. solstitialis, with H. bacteriophora
demonstrating higher efficacy.
Keywords :
Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora, Amphimallon Solstitialis, Biological Control, Temperature. Concentration of Nematode Suspension.