Moisture requirements of the DD-136 strain of Neoaplectana carpocapsae (Nematoda; Rhabditida) as related to host infection

The DD-136 strain of Neoaplectana carpocapsae is capable of continued movement over dry surfaces at 35 and 5 C if relative humidity (RH) ranges above 90%. It can also live in the field on foliage for several hours at night and up to 24 days in bark beetle tunnels in pine bolts.Further nematode research should be directed toward a few insect species where precipitation and RH are suitable for the dispersion of the dauerlarvae. Such areas in the US are located in the Southeast, Northeast, and on the Northwest Coast.