Effectiveness of different species of entomopathogenic nematodes for biocontrol of the Mediterranean flatheaded rootborer, Capnodis tenebrionis (Linné) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in potted peach tree

J Invertebr Pathol. 2008 Feb;97(2):128-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2007.09.003. Epub 2007 Sep 14.

Abstract

The susceptibility of larvae of the Mediterranean flatheaded rootborer (Capnodis tenebrionis) to 13 isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes was examined using GF-677 potted trees (peachxalmond hybrid) as the host plant. The nematode strains tested included nine Steinernema feltiae, one S. affine, one S. carpocapsae and two Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Nematodes showed the ability to locate and kill larvae of C. tenebrionis just after they enter into the roots of the tree. S. feltiae strains provided an efficacy ranging from 79.68% to 88.24%. H. bacteriophora strains resulted in control of 71.66-76.47%. S. carpocapsae (B14) and S. affine (Gspe3) caused lower control of C. tenebrionis larvae (62.03% and 34.76%, respectively). The influence of foraging strategy and the use of autochthonous nematodes to control C. tenebrionis larvae inside the roots is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coleoptera / parasitology*
  • Coleoptera / pathogenicity*
  • Larva / parasitology
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods*
  • Plant Diseases / parasitology
  • Prunus / parasitology*
  • Rhabditida / pathogenicity*
  • Rhabditida Infections / physiopathology