A preliminary note on the intestinal parasites of wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains,Tanzania

Feces of wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania, were inspected for intestinal parasites under a compound microscope. Eggs or larvae ofOesophagostomum, Strongyloides, Trichuris, Prosthenorchis, andBertiella were found. Intestinal nematodes significantly increased in the mid-rainy season. This finding supports (or, at least, is not in conflict with) the hypothesis thatAspilia leaves which are occasionally swallowed by chimpanzees may function as a vermicide, since ingestion of such leaves also increases significantly in the mid-rainy season.     

Investigations on the parasitism ofOtiorrhynchus salicicola andO. Sulcatus [Col.: Curculionidae] byHeterorhabditis sp. [Nematoda]

Experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of the insect parasitic nematodeHeterorhabditis sp. (HW79) as a biological control agent ofOtiorrhynchus salicicola. This weevil species is reported as a pest of ornamental plants in Switzerland and Italy. Dipping plastic boxes containing heavily infested cuttings of laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) in a nematode suspension resulted in approximately 100% parasitisation of full-grown larvae, pupae and non-emerged young adults. The average dose resulting from dipping varied between 56,000 and 62,000 nematodes per liter soil. This experiment was run under natural outdoor conditions. In a further outdoor experiment, pottedLigustrum plants were inoculated with eggs ofO. salicicola and later 20,000 infective juvenile nematodes per liter soil were added to the soil surface. The resulting weevil mortality in the treated pots was 78%. In seven greenhouse tests using the same nematode dose in pots with horticultural soil to which weevil larvae had been added, weevil mortality varied between 76% and 100%, the arithmetic average being 90%. These results indicate that Heterorhabditid nematodes may provide an effective means of controllingO. salicicola. In an other experiment usingO. sulcatus larvae, the influence of application time on nematode efficacy was investigated. When nematodes were added a few days before weevil larvae had hatched from the eggs, no parasitic effect was obtained. Nematode applications done shortly after larval hatching however, resulted in complete weevil control. These results are of significance in timing nematode applications in practice.      

Nematicidal activity of Okinawa Island plants on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood

In order to develop biological control methods that are effective against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) chitwood, the activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of wild plant species distributed on Okinawa Island on the viability and mobility of second stage M. incognita juveniles (J2s) was evaluated. Eleven of the 29 extracts immobilized at least half of the J2 stage nematodes in an in vitro assay. Aqueous extracts of Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Scherff, Hydrocotyle dichondroides Makino, Oxalis corymbosa DC., Oxalis corniculata L., and Stenactis annus (L.) Cass gave 90% or better immobilization activity. Among these, B. pilosa var. radiata had the highest activity. Significant immobilization, lethality, repellence and egg hatching inhibition were observed with extracts from each B. pilosa plant part, but especially from leaves. The effects of plant extracts on the mobility of M. incognita were higher than on the free-living nematode Panagrolaimus sp., suggesting that M. incognita could be suppressed using B. pilosa extracts without significantly affecting beneficial nematodes.     

Endophytes of fescue grasses enhance susceptibility ofPopillia japonica larvae to an entomopathogenic nematode

We evaluated tritrophic level interactions among fungal endophytes (Acremonium spp.) of fescue grasses (Festuca spp.), the root-feeding Japanese beetlePopillia japonica Newman larvae, and the entomopathogenic nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar. Third-instarP. japonica larvae were introduced into pots containing endophyteinfected or endophyte-free plants of tall fescueFestuca arundinacea Schreber (cultivars Kentucky 31 and Georgia Jesup Improved) and the Chewings fescueFestuca rubra commutata Guad. (cultivars F-93 and Jamestown II). After two weeks, the surviving larvae were recovered, and their susceptibility to nematodes was evaluated in sand columns. Endophytes enhanced the rate of nematode-induced mortality in all cultivars except Georgia Jesup Improved, and increased the proportion of dead larvae with nematodes in all cultivars except Jamestown II. Endophytes in the cultivar Kentucky 31 were associated with improved nematode establishment in the larvae. No effect on nematode reproduction was found. Since endophytes produce biologically active alkaloids, we tested the effects of an ergot alkaloid, ergotamine tartrate, on the feeding behavior and weight ofP. japonica larvae in agar medium. The alkaloid caused feeding deterrence, and reduced the consumption of medium by the larvae, resulting in weight loss. These larvae were more susceptible toH. bacteriophora than the untreated larvae. Unfed ‘starved’ larvae were more susceptible to nematodes than those fed on untreated agar. Our results support the hypothesis that endophyte-induced starvation ofP. japonica would reduce larval vigor, and render them more susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes.     

Nematodes (Longidorus sp. andTylenchorhynchus microphasmis loof) in growth and nodulation of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.)

Summary Hippophaë rhamnoides seedlings were grown in sterilized and unsterilized soil from a decliningH. rhamnoides scrub, to which different numbers ofLongidorus sp. andTylenchorhynchus microphasmis were added. In sterilized and unsterilized soil, retardation of growth, content of dry matter in the shoots, and incidence of deformed short lateral roots of test plants were positively correlated with counts of both nematode species. Nitrogen content in the shoots, nodulation on the roots of test plants and increase increase in nematodes were negatively correlated with the initial number of both nematode species in sterilized soil. In unsterilized soil, an unknown biotic factor was present that reduces growth ofH. rhamnoides, nodulation and multiplication of the nematodes. This factor seems to interact with the nematodes in reducing growth ofH. rhamnoides.Deceased.     

Do plant parasitic nematodes have differential effects on the productivity of a fast- and a slow-growing grass species?

We have examined the interaction between plant parasitic nematodes and plant species from different stages of grassland succession. In these grasslands, fertiliser application was stopped in order to restore the former nutrient-poor ecosystems. This management resulted in a reversed succession of high- to low-productivity. Nematodes isolated from a high-productive early-successional field and a low-productive late-successional field were inoculated to sterilised soil planted with seedlings of either Lolium perenne (a fast-growing early-successional species) or Festuca rubra (a slow-growing late-successional species). The experiment was performed at low and high supply rates of nutrients. We hypothesised that at a low nutrient supply rate the growth of L. perenne will be more reduced by nematode herbivory than the growth of F. rubra. Furthermore, we hypothesised that higher numbers of plant parasitic nematodes will develop under L. perenne. We found no support for our first hypothesis, because nematodes did not affect plant growth. Our results suggest that changes in the nutrient availability rather than plant parasitic nematodes affect plant succession in impoverished grasslands. On the other hand, plant species and nutrient supply rate significantly affected the density and composition of the plant parasitic nematode community. In line with our second hypothesis, plant parasitic nematodes reproduced better on the fast-growing L. perenne than on the slow-growing F. rubra. Our results, therefore, suggest that the succession of the plant parasitic nematode community is probably more affected by changes in the plant community than the other way round.     

Effect of plant extracts on the mortality of root-knot nematodes’ J2, Meloidogyne javanica

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, is a major problem confronting greenhouse’s productions, field crops, vegetables, grapevines and almond rootstocks in Kermanshah province, Iran. Nematicides are not affordable to control this nematode. In the search for alternatives to chemicals control of nematodes, this research has dealt with nematicidal effects of crude herbal extracts on the root-knot nematodes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 21 endemic and exotic herbal extracts belong to 12 families of flowering plants in comparison with chicken manure and chemical nematicide (Temik) to control root-knot nematodes in in vitro conditions. The nematodes were pured and mass multiplied on tomato in the soil at greenhouse conditions. In order to study the effect of herbal extracts on mortality of second-stage juveniles (J₂), a 6?mL of each extract was poured in sterilised Petri dish and 54?±?4 juveniles were added. Distilled water was used as control and treatments replicated four times and incubated at ambient temperature. The LC₅₀ value of each extract was determined by assessing the mortality of juveniles (in the range of 5–95%) after 24, 48 and 72 h. Comparison between LC₅₀ value of the extracts indicated that Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Eugenia caryophillata are the most effective crude extracts on the mortality of juveniles and they were 15.4 and 17.9?mg?mL^?1, respectively. Meanwhile, the extract of tobacco, ferulago, garlic, eucalyptus, persan lilac, rattle, oliveria, licorice, russian knapweed, turnsole, sicilian sumac and chicken manure did not have any antinematode activity against fresh second-stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode.     

Soil microorganisms control plant ectoparasitic nematodes in natural coastal foredunes

Belowground herbivores can exert important controls on the composition of natural plant communities. Until now, relatively few studies have investigated which factors may control the abundance of belowground herbivores. In Dutch coastal foredunes, the root-feeding nematode Tylenchorhynchus ventralis is capable of reducing the performance of the dominant grass Ammophila arenaria (Marram grass). However, field surveys show that populations of this nematode usually are controlled to nondamaging densities, but the control mechanism is unknown. In the present study, we first established that T. ventralis populations are top-down controlled by soil biota. Then, selective removal of soil fauna suggested that soil microorganisms play an important role in controlling T. ventralis. This result was confirmed by an experiment where selective inoculation of microarthropods, nematodes and microbes together with T. ventralis into sterilized dune soil resulted in nematode control when microbes were present. Adding nematodes had some effect, whereas microarthropods did not have a significant effect on T. ventralis. Our results have important implications for the appreciation of herbivore controls in natural soils. Soil food web models assume that herbivorous nematodes are controlled by predaceous invertebrates, whereas many biological control studies focus on managing nematode abundance by soil microorganisms. We propose that soil microorganisms play a more important role than do carnivorous soil invertebrates in the top-down control of herbivorous ectoparasitic nematodes in natural ecosystems. This is opposite to many studies on factors controlling root-feeding insects, which are supposed to be controlled by carnivorous invertebrates, parasitoids, or entomopathogenic nematodes. Our conclusion is that the ectoparasitic nematode T. ventralis is potentially able to limit productivity of the dune grass A. arenaria but that soil organisms, mostly microorganisms, usually prevent the development of growth-reducing population densities.     

Banana Rhizodeposition: Characterization of Root Border Cell Production and Effects on Chemotaxis and Motility of the Parasitic Nematode Radopholus similis

Rhizodeposition was collected from root tips of banana (Musa acuminata). Two varieties, Grande naine and Yangambi km5, susceptible and resistant towards the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis, respectively, were examined for root border cell production under in vitro and in soil growing conditions. Two types of cells were observed in rhizodeposition: spherical cells containing large amyloplasts, called statocytes (8% of total), and long ellipsoidal border cells (92%). Border cell production was high, related to root length and not different between the two cultivars. Rhizodeposition from plants grown in soil contained similar amounts of border cells, but viability was lower than in in vitro grown plants. Chemotaxis and motility assays were performed to test the effects of banana roots, roots without rhizodeposition, rhizodeposition, exudates and border cells on the behaviour of R. similis. Roots of both the susceptible and resistant variety attracted R. similis, but only in the presence of rhizodeposition. Isolated rhizodeposition of Yangambi km5 also attracted nematodes. Border cells and exudates did not affect nematode chemotaxis. Roots of both varieties induced quiescence in R. similis in the chemotaxis assay. Thirty to fifty percent of the nematodes became temporary quiescent in the motility assay with rhizodeposition and exudates. The effect lasted for 24 h for Grande naine and up to 3 days for Yangambi km5. Rhizodeposition collected from plants grown in soil affected neither R. similis chemotaxis nor motility. Overall, there were no indications that rhizodeposition is involved in preformed resistance against R. similis in Yangambi km5.     

Selection of insect parasitic nematodes for biological control of the garden chafer,Phyllopertha horticola

Larvae ofPhyllopertha horticola L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) cause increasing problems on sports fields and lawns in NW-Europe. A biological control programme using insect parasitic nematodes is being developed. This paper contains the results of bioassays with various species and isolates of the nematode generaHeterorhabditis andSteinernema. In bioassays in small pots with moist sand, most of the nematode isolates gave 30–60% mortality against each of the three larval stages. The susceptibility of the grubs for nematode infection generally increased with larval development.H. bacteriophora, H. heliothidis, H. megidis, a DutchHeterorhabditis isolate NLH-E87.3 andS. glaseri 326 showed the highest mortality rates, with nearly 100% mortality of third instar grubs. The DutchHeterorhabditis isolate NLH-E87.3 andS. glaseri 326 were selected as candidates for further studies on their potential as biological control agents forP. horticola grubs in the field.     

Impatiens necrotic spot virus infection and feeding behavior of nematode-parasitized western flower thrips

The effects of parasitism by the nematode Thripinema nicklewoodi Siddiqi (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae) on tospovirus infection and feeding behavior of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) were studied in the laboratory. In an initial experiment, nematode parasitism reduced the numbers of adult thrips that were positive to Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) compared to controls. Three hypotheses on possible mechanisms causing this reduction were tested. H₁: nematodes have a tendency to penetrate healthy thrips rather than INSV-infected thrips; H₂: parasitized first instar thrips are less able to acquire virus during feeding; or H₃: INSV replication is suppressed in parasitized thrips. H₁ and H₂ were proven false as we found no difference in nematode attack rate between healthy thrips and thrips that have taken up INSV and no difference in virus uptake or feeding activity between parasitized and non-parasitized larval thrips. H₃ was not supported by data from our tests (P=0.07) but remains the explanation most worthy of future investigation. Interestingly, INSV transmission was not affected by nematode parasitism even though it reduced feeding activity of adult female thrips by 81% on leaves, 38% on pollen, and 22% on honey. However, despite lowered total feeding, probing by parasitized thrips (in honey) was not reduced, and this may explain why lowered feeding did not result in lowered virus transmission.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">CaMi</Emphasis>, a root-knot nematode resistance gene from hot pepper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsium annuum</Emphasis> L.) confers nematode resistance in tomato

Several root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) resistance genes have been discovered in different pepper (Capsium annuum L.) lines; however, none of them has yet been cloned. In this study, a candidate root-knot nematode resistance gene (designated as CaMi) was isolated from the resistant pepper line PR 205 by degenerate PCR amplification combined with the RACE technique. Expression profiling analysis revealed that this gene was highly expressed in roots, leaves, and flowers and expressed at a lower level in stems and was not detectable in fruits. To verify the function of CaMi, a sense vector containing the genomic DNA spanning the full coding region of CaMi was constructed and transferred into root-knot nematode susceptible tomato plants. Sixteen transgenic plants carrying one to five copies of T-DNA inserts were generated from two nematode susceptible tomato cultivars. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of CaMi gene varied in different transgenic plants. Nematode assays showed that the resistance to root-knot nematodes was significantly improved in some transgenic lines compared to untransformed susceptible plants, and that the resistance was inheritable. Ultrastructure analysis showed that nematodes led to the formation of galls or root knots in the susceptible lines while in the resistant transgenic plants, the CaMi gene triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) as well as many necrotic cells around nematodes. Rugang Chen and Hanxia Li are contributed equally to this work.     

Medicinal herb extracts inhibit growth of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhabditis elongate</Emphasis> (Nematoda:<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhabditidae</Emphasis>)

We tested the influence of extracts from three medicinal herbs —Salvia miltiorrhiza, Schizandra chinensis, andEugenia caryophyllata — on activity of the nematodeRhabditis elongate. Treatment with f.caryophyllata was most useful, causing the greatest decrease in populations and mobility, but did not have any detrimental effect on the initial growth of the host microorganism,Escherichia coli. For example, when 0.5 g/L of the extract was added to an inoculated liquid culture, we counted 710 nematodes/mL, with a multiplication rate 5 times greater than the initial population. This was in contrast to the control sample, which had a count of 1100 nematodes/mL and a growth ratio of 11. For our field test, nematode mobility in the presence of the extract also decreased, to 6.8 mm/day, compared with 20 mm/day for the control. Likewise, when 1.0 g/L of the extract was added to the soil, the total number of nematodes was reduced to only 30- to 40% of the control population.     

Mode of action of a surfactant–polymer formulation to support performance of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae for control of diamondback moth larvae (Plutella xylostella)

The use of entomopathogenic nematodes on cabbage leaves against larvae of the diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella requires the addition of formulation adjuvants to achieve satisfying control. Without adjuvants nematodes settle in the tank mix of backpack sprayers causing uneven distribution. The polymers arabic and guar gum, alginate and xanthan were used in concentrations between 0.05 and 0.3% to retard sedimentation of Steinernema carpocapsae. Arabic gum had no effect, guar gum prevented sedimentation at 0.3% but the effect dropped significantly at lower concentration. At 0.05%, xanthan prevented nematode sedimentation better than alginate. Deposition of nematodes on the leaves was significantly increased by the addition of any of the polymers. Spraying nematodes on leaves with an inclination of 45° without the addition of any formulation resulted in 70% run-off. Adding 0.2% alginate or xanthan reduced the losses to <20%. The use of a surfactant–polymer formulation significantly reduced defoliation by DBM larvae. Visual examinations provided evidence that nematodes are not ingested by DBM larvae. Invasion of S. carpocapsae is an active process via the anus. The function of the formulation is not to prolong nematode survival, but to provide environmental conditions which enable rapid invasion of the nematodes. Nematode performance was improved by selection of the best surfactant in combination with xanthan and by optimisation of the concentrations of the surfactant Rimulgan® and the polymer xanthan. The best control results were achieved with Rimulgan® at 0.3% together with 0.3% xanthan, causing DBM mortality of >90% at 80% relative humidity and >70% at 60%. The formulation lowered the LC₅₀ from 12 to 1 nematode/larva. The viscosity of the surfactant–polymer formulations correlated well with nematode efficacy, prevention of sedimentation and adherence to the leave. This physical parameter can therefore be recommended for improvement of nematode formulations to be used for foliar application against DBM.     

Size-specific susceptibility of the pest slugs Deroceras reticulatum and Arion lusitanicus to the nematode biocontrol agent Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita

The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a commercially available biocontrol agent against slugs. This product is especially interesting for use in organic farming, where products containing metaldehyde or carbamates cannot be used for controlling pest slugs. We investigated the potential of P. hermaphrodita for the control of the pest slugs Deroceras reticulatum and Arion lusitanicus. These two species are the most harmful slug pests in Switzerland. At different times of the year, we collected slug specimens of different weight and assessed their susceptibility to P. hermaphrodita in the laboratory. Batches of five slugs were subjected to five different doses of nematodes plus an untreated control and replicated three times. During six weeks, feeding and survival of the slugs were recorded. D. reticulatum was strongly affected by increasing nematode doses, irrespective of the slugs' body weight. In small specimens of A. lusitanicus, feeding and survival were strongly affected by the nematodes, while larger specimens remained almost unaffected. Because A. lusitanicus has an asynchronous development in Switzerland, it seems difficult to control the entire population with a single nematode application. To what extent nematodes will be used in practice for slug control depends on their effectivity against the pest slugs of major importance, on the longevity of the molluscicidal effect and on the price of nematodes.     

Colorado potato beetle control by application of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis marelata and potato plant alkaloid manipulation

Control of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis marelata Liu and Berry (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) was examined in the laboratory and in potato fields in north central Oregon. This research tested the hypothesis that varying nitrogen fertilizer levels would affect foliar alkaloid levels, which would stress the host, and allow increased nematode reproduction and long‐term control of the CPB. Laboratory results indicated that nematodes tended to reproduce more readily in CPB fed on potato plants with high levels of fertilizer. Field trials tested CPB population responses to four treatments: application of nematodes vs. no nematodes, with application of low vs. high rates of nitrogen fertilizer. The higher nitrogen application rate increased field foliar levels of the alkaloids solanine by 35%, and chaconine by 41% over the season. Nematodes were applied twice during the season, causing a 50% reduction in adult CPB populations, and producing six times as many dead prepupae in nematode‐treated soil samples as in the untreated samples. However, no reproducing nematodes were found in the 303 dead prepupae and pupae collected from nematode‐treated plots. Nitrogen fertilizer levels, and their related alkaloid levels, did not affect nematode infection rates or reproduction in the field. Foliar alkaloid levels of plants from the growth chamber were 3–6‐fold as high as those in the field, which may explain the variation in nematode response to nitrogen applications to host plants of the CPB. Heterorhabditis marelata is effective for controlling CPB in the field, and does not have negative non‐target effects on one of the most common endemic CPB control agents, Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) (Diptera: Tachinidae), but the low rate of nematode reproduction cannot be manipulated through alkaloid stress to the beetle. Until H. marelata can be mass‐produced in an inexpensive manner, it will not be a commercially viable control for CPB.     

六种阔叶树种叶片水浸提液对云南松种子萌发生长的化感作用

为了筛选营建云南松抗虫混交林的树种,该研究观察了云南切梢小蠹非寄主植物川滇桤木、缅桂、滇朴、樟树、麻栎和山茶六种阔叶树种叶片不同浓度的水浸提液对云南松种子萌发及幼苗生长的化感作用。结果表明:(1)川滇桤木、滇朴、麻栎和山茶四种阔叶树种叶片的水浸提液对云南松种子萌发和幼苗生长表现出低浓度促进,高浓度抑制效应。(2)在测试浓度范围内,樟树和缅桂叶片水浸提液对云南松种子萌发和幼苗生长存在抑制作用。综上所述,六种阔叶树种对云南松的化感作用敏感性不同,低浓度范围内的川滇桤木、滇朴、麻栎和山茶树叶片水浸提液对云南松生长表现出促进作用,樟树和缅桂叶片水浸提液对云南松生长具有抑制作用。因此,结合营林技术,可选用川滇桤木、滇朴、麻栎等阔叶树种与云南松混交,营建云南松抗虫混交林。     

Susceptibility of Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars to entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae after consumption of non-specific transgenic plants

Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars were transferred from an artificial diet to potato leaves at the start of the third or fifth instar and exposed to the infective juveniles of the nematode Steinernema feltiae since the beginning of the sixth instar until the start of pupation. Leaves were taken from the control potatoes or from genetically modified potatoes expressing either Cry3Aa toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) which are mainly non-specific to S. littoralis larvae. The nematodes killed all the caterpillars within seven days compared with the starved larvae in the same period of exposure. The average time to death and the number of nematodes successfully invaded the larvae were affected by the period of feeding on potato leaves. In the non-starved caterpillars, which received potato leaves throughout the whole period of exposure to the nematodes, the type of potato leaves had no effect on the number of nematodes inside cadavers (p = 0.352 and F = 1.070) and also on the effect on the length of survival after exposure to the nematodes (p = 0.7892 and F = 0.596). No hazardous effect on the development and survival of entomopathogenic nematode S. feltiae which successfully invaded larvae fed on modified potato (Bt or GNA) was reported.     

Field Tests of Formulated Products Containing EitherVerticillium chlamydosporiumorArthrobotrys dactyloidesfor Biological Control of Root-knot Nematodes

Granular formulations containing eitherVerticillium chlamydosporiumorArthrobotrys dactyloideswere applied at 55–880 kg/ha in seven field trials on a range of soils in Queensland, Australia. Granules were incorporated into soil prior to planting tomatoes and the effectiveness of the formulated fungi in reducing damage caused by root-knot nematodes was compared to an untreated control and a granular formulation of fenamiphos. Formulations ofV. chlamydosporiumwere used in three experiments but the fungus did not increase egg parasitism or reduce galling or nematode numbers at harvest. Formulations containingA. dactyloideswere more effective, as galling was reduced 4–8 weeks after planting in four of five experiments. However, these effects generally disappeared later in the season, as significant reductions in galling were only observed in one of seven experiments at harvest. Fenamiphos generally reduced galling both at 4–8 weeks and at harvest. Yield increases due to fenamiphos or any of the biological treatments were not obtained in any experiment. The results suggested that formulations ofA. dactyloidesapplied at 220–440 kg/ha substantially reduced the number of nematodes present in roots 4–8 weeks after planting. Since tomato is relatively tolerant of nematode damage under the crop management systems used in northeastern Australia, such formulations could provide useful nematode control, particularly if used in conjunction with other control measures. However, formulations with greater biological activity will be needed if the level of nematode control obtained with chemical nematicides is to be achieved withA. dactyloides.     

Synergism of imidacloprid and entomopathogenic nematodes against white grubs: the mechanism

Entomopathogenic nematodes and the chloronicotinyl insecticide, imidacloprid, interact synergistically on the mortality of third-instar white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). The degree of interaction, however, varies with nematode species, being synergistic for Steinernema glaseri (Steiner) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, but only additive for Steinernema kushidai Mamiya. The mechanism of the interaction between imidacloprid and these three entomopathogenic nematodes was studied in the laboratory. In vials with soil and grass, mortality, speed of kill, and nematode establishment were negatively affected by imidacloprid with S. kushidai but positively affected with S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora. In all other experiments, imidacloprid had a similar effect for all three nematode species on various factors important for the successful nematode infection in white grubs. Nematode attraction to grubs was not affected by imidacloprid treatment of the grubs. Establishment of intra-hemocoelically injected nematodes was always higher in imidacloprid-treated grubs but the differences were small and in most cases not significant. The major factor responsible for synergistic interactions between imidacloprid and entomopathogenic nematodes appears to be the general disruption of normal nerve function due to imidacloprid resulting in drastically reduced activity of the grubs. This sluggishness facilitates host attachment of infective juvenile nematodes. Grooming and evasive behavior in response to nematode attack was also reduced in imidacloprid-treated grubs. The degree to which different white grub species responded to entomopathogenic nematode attack varied considerably. Untreated Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs were the most responsive to nematode attack among the species tested. Untreated Cyclocephala borealis Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs showed a weaker grooming and no evasion response, and untreated C. hirta LeConte (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs showed no significant response. Chewing/biting behavior was significantly increased in the presence of nematodes in untreated P. japonica and C. borealis but not in C. hirta and imidacloprid-treated P. japonica and C. borealis. Our observations, however, did not provide an explanation for the lack of synergism between imidacloprid and S. kushidai.