Susceptibility of the filbertworm (Cydia latiferreana, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and filbert weevil (Curculio occidentalis, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to entomopathogenic nematodes

The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of the two primary direct insect pests of hazelnuts in Oregon to three species of entomopathogenic nematodes. The entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis marelatus Pt. Reyes, Steinernema carpocapsae All and Steinernema kraussei L137) were used in laboratory soil bioassays to determine their virulence against filbertworm, Cydia latiferreana (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and filbert weevil, Curculio occidentalis (Casey) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). All three nematode species were infective in laboratory bioassays. Infectivity ranged from 73-100% and 23-85% for filbertworm and filbert weevil, respectively. Field results were similar to those found in the laboratory with filbertworm larvae being more susceptible to nematode infection.     

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) against codling moth,Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in temperate regions

The biocontrol potential of South African isolates of Heterorhabditis zealandica, Steinernema citrae, S. khoisanae, S. yirgalemense, and Steinernema sp., was evaluated against codling moth, Cydia pomonella. Codling moth was susceptible to all six nematode isolates at a concentration of 50 infective juveniles/insect (78–100% mortality). Low temperatures (10 h at 17°C; 14 h at 12°C) negatively affected larvicidal activity (≤3%) for all isolates. All tested isolates were most effective at higher levels of water activity (a _w=1). The average a _w50-values for all isolates tested was 0.94 (0.93–0.95), except S. khoisanae 0.97 (0.97–0.98). Regarding host-seeking ability, no positive attraction to host cues could be detected amongst isolates, except for H. zealandica. Three of the isolates, H. zealandica, S. khoisanae, and the undescribed Steinernema sp., were selected for field-testing and proven to be effective (mortality >50%). Insect containment methods used during field experimentation was shown to influence larvacidal activity, as different levels of mortality were obtained using various containment methods (wooden planks vs. pear tree logs vs. mesh cages). Pear tree logs were impractical. Predictive equations were subsequently developed, enabling future trials to be conducted using either planks or cages, enabling the prediction of the expected level of control on tree logs. All tested isolates therefore showed a certain degree of biological control potential, however, none of the experiments showed clear efficacy-differences amongst isolates. The study highlighted the importance of environmental factors to ensure the successful application of these nematodes for the control of diapausing codling moth larvae in temperate regions.     

Isolation and pathogenicity of some South African entomopathogenic fungi (Ascomycota) against eggs and larvae of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Virulent entomopathogenic fungal strains against Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were isolated and identified in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Thirty-nine isolates belonging to six species were obtained using the insect bait method. Generally, Metarhizium robertsii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) was the most frequently encountered species representing 51% of the total number of isolates collected from the soil samples. This is the first report of M. robertsii from southern Africa. Mortality data from an immersion bioassay indicated that the 39 fungal isolates were pathogenic against fifth instar larvae of C. pomonella inducing 47–85% insect mortalities. Two M. robertsii strains, MTL151 and GW461, induced 85% larval mortality and were selected for further evaluations. The exposure of freshly laid eggs to wax papers that were pre-treated with fungal spores ranging from 10³ to 10⁸ spores ml^?1 of MTL151 and GW461 resulted in a significant reduction of egg hatchabilities, from 95 to 66% and 93 to 71%, respectively as spore concentration increased. First instar larval neonates were exposed to apples that were pre-sprayed topically with varied conidia suspensions (10³?10⁸ spores ml^?1). The mean percentage of participating apples with larvae in their cores/flesh significantly reduced from 53 to 10% (MTL151) and 76 to 10% (GW461) of 10 apples, and a concurrent decrease in the incidence of apple fruit rot was observed as conidia concentration increased. Up to 90% of apples treated with 1 × 10⁸ spores ml^?1 had no larvae present in their cores and this result compared favourably with the commercial pesticide Fruitfly®, containing the active ingredient cypermethrin (20 g/l) used at a recommended dose of 0.25 ml/250 ml of water.     

Control of diapausing codling moth,Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in wooden fruit bins,using entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae)

Stacked wooden fruit bins are frequent overwintering sites for overwintering diapausing codling moth larvae. Control strategies against the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in South Africa have been hampered by the reinfestation of orchards from nearby stacked infested fruit bins and by the movement of infested bins between orchards. Worldwide, wooden fruit bins are systematically being replaced with plastic bins, however in South Africa this will not be accomplished in the near future. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of two recycled commercially available entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae, as well as of a local species, Steinernema yirgalemense, to disinfest miniature wooden fruit bins under controlled conditions in the laboratory. After dipping miniature bins loaded with codling moth larvae in a suspension of 25?IJs/mL of each of the three EPN species, under optimum conditions of temperature and humidity, the highest percentage of control was obtained using S. feltiae (75%). The addition of adjuvants significantly increased S. feltiae infectivity to >95%, whereas it did not result in a significant increase in H. bacteriophora or S. yirgalemense infectivity.     

Strategies of emergence in the chestnut weevil Curculio elephas (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

In the chestnut weevil Curculio elephas, adult emergences spread over 3 or 4 years due to prolonged larval diapause in some individuals. Weevils with an extended diapause emerge, on the average, 1–10 days before those with simple diapause, but whatever the age of insects, emergences occur always from mid-August to early October. When the summer is dry, some adults cannot emerge because of the hardness of the soil. Emergence sucess of adults is smaller in females than in males. The result is that the sex ratio is female-biased before emergence and male-biased after. Summer drought cannot be predicted by the chestnut weevil, and when the soil is dry 27–78% of females cannot emerge and do not reproduce. The year after a summer drought, many reproducing females may emerge from larvae with prolonged diapause. These results suggest an evolutionary influence on the variability in diapause duration. Computer simulations and observations do not support the hypothesis that the main cause of variation in diapause length is the existence of several distinct genotypes within populations. On the contrary, our data strengthen the hypothesis for coin-flipping plasticity discussed in a previous paper.     

Evaluating mulches together with Heterorhabditis zealandica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) for the control of diapausing codling moth larvae,Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The potential of using an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar, together with different test mulches (pine chips, wheat straw, pine wood shavings, blackwood and apple wood chips) to control diapausing codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) larvae was evaluated. Mesh cages were identified as a suitable larval-containment method. High levels of codling moth mortality were obtained when using pine wood shavings as mulch (88%) compared to pine chips, wheat straw, blackwood and apple wood chips (41–88%). Humidity (>95% RH) has to be maintained for at least 3 days to ensure nematode survival. It was also proven that nematodes had the ability to move out of infected soil into moist mulch, to infect the codling moth larvae residing at heights of up to 10 cm. Field experiments showed the importance of climatic conditions on nematode performance. Low temperatures (<15°C) recorded during the first trial resulted in low levels of control (48%), as opposed to the 67% mortality recorded during the second trial (temperatures ranged between 20 and 25°C). Low levels of persistence (<10%) were recorded in the mulches post-application. The study conclusively illustrated some of the baseline requirements fundamental to the success of entomopathogenic nematodes together with mulches for the control of codling moth.     

Post-application of anti-desiccant agents improves efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in formulated host cadavers or aqueous suspension against diapausing codling moth larvae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.) is the most serious pest of apple and other pome fruit worldwide. In temperate climates, diapausing cocooned larvae make up 100% of the population. Control of this stage would reduce or eliminate damage by first generation CM in late spring and early summer. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are good candidates for control of CM in the cryptic habitats where the larvae overwinter. The two predominant limiting factors for EPNs are adequate moisture and temperatures below 15°C. Formulation that maintains moisture and enables survival of EPN infective juveniles (IJs) until they can infect overwintering larvae would significantly improve their utility for protection of apple, pear and walnut. In laboratory studies conducted in moist mulch (consisting of apple and conifer wood), Galleria mellonella (L.) larvae infected with Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser), S. feltiae (Filipjev), or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar and coated with starch and clay, produced mean mortalities of 42, 88, and 24%, respectively in CM larvae. Mulched field plots treated with formulated S. carpocapsae- or S. feltiae-infected G. mellonella larvae, then followed by an application of wood flour foam as an anti-desiccant, resulted in 56 and 86% mortality, respectively. Comparative tests of aqueous suspensions of S. carpocapsae IJs applied to cardboard bands on apple tree trunks followed by water, fire retardant gel or foam resulted in 11, 35, and 85% respective mortalities. Identical tests with S. feltiae resulted in 20, 19, and 97% respective mortalities. Our research with cadaver formulations of EPNs in mulch and aqueous suspensions on tree trunks combined with anti-desiccant agents, demonstrated significant improvement in larvicidal activity for diapausing cocooned CM larvae.     

Effect of humidity and a superabsorbent polymer formulation on the efficacy of Heterorhabditis zealandica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) to control codling moth,Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Adequate moisture levels are required for nematode survival and subsequent efficacy as entomopathogens. Formulation of nematodes aimed at aboveground applications may assist in maintaining such moisture levels. In this study, we report the effects of a superabsorbent polymer formulation, Zeba® on the performance of an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar, for controlling diapausing codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) larvae in cryptic habitats on trees. Water activity (a_w-value) on bark was considered to be an indication of moisture levels on trees in cryptic habitats where codling moth larvae are known to occur, thereby influencing nematode efficacy. H. zealandica was only able to infect codling moth larvae at a_w≥0.92, with a_w50=0.94 and a_w90=0.96. Laboratory experiments in which nematode concentration was investigated indicated a positive linear relationship between the concentration of nematodes applied and the level of control obtained, with the highest level of mortality recorded at 80 IJs/larva, requiring at least 4 h of conditions conducive to nematode activity to ensure infectivity and subsequent efficacy. Further experimentation showed that the use of the Zeba formulation, together with the nematodes, improved the level of control obtained at 60% and 80% RH in the laboratory and that it also enhanced the survival and infection-ability of the nematodes in the field. The study conclusively illustrates that the tested formulation assisted in maintaining adequate moisture levels on the application substratum, as required for nematode survival and subsequent efficacy.     

Virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria against the hazelnut weevil Curculio nucum

The virulence of different entomopathogenic nematode strains of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae, isolates from Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula), and their symbiotic bacteria was assessed with regard to the larvae and adults of the hazelnut weevil, Curculio nucum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The nematode strains screened included one Steinernema affine, five Steinernema feltiae, one Steinernema carpocapsae, one Steinernema sp. (a new species not yet described) and one Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The pathogenicity of all the strains of nematodes was tested on larvae and only four of them on adults of the hazelnut weevil. Larval mortality ranged from 10% with S. affine to 79% with Steinernema sp. Adult mortality was higher in S. carpocapsae, achieving 100% adult weevil mortality. The pathogenicity of the symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus bovienii, X. kozodoii, X. nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens was studied in larvae and adults of C. nucum. In the larvae, X. kozodoii showed a LT50 of 22.7 h, and in the adults, it was 20.5 h. All nematodes species except S. affine tested against larvae showed great potential to control the insect, whereas S. carpocapsae was the most effective for controlling adults.     

Efficacy of two entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae for control of the leopard moth borer Zeuzera pyrina (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) larvae under laboratory conditions

The biological traits of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, against the larvae of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina were evaluated in the laboratory. The traits included pathogenicity, penetration potential as well as foraging behaviour. Plate assays were performed using a range of EPN concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 infective juveniles (IJs) per larva). The LC₅₀ values for S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora were 6.4 and 8.4 IJs larva^?1 after 72 h. Both EPN species caused high mortality in branch experiments. Significantly higher mortality rates occurred in the larger larvae after exposure to S. carpocapsae. Both EPN species successfully penetrated the Z. pyrina larvae as well as larvae of Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Galleridae).The proportional response of H. bacteriophora to host-associated cues was strongly higher than S. carpocapsae in Petri dishes containing agar 1, 12 and 24 h after EPN application. These results highlight the efficiency of EPNs for the control of Z. pyrina larvae. However, due to the cryptic habitat of Z. pyrina larvae in their galleries in the trees, field trails need to be conducted to further evaluate this potential.     

Key elements in the successful control of diapausing codling moth,Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in wooden fruit bins with a South African isolate of Heterorhabditis zealandica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae)

The non-insecticidal control strategies currently being implemented in South African orchards for the control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) may be hampered by wooden fruit bins being infested with diapausing codling moth larvae, acting as a potential source of re-infestation. Key factors contributing to the success or failure of an entomopathogenic nematode application were investigated using the SF 41 isolate of Heterorhabditis zealandica in laboratory bioassays with wooden minibins. Under operational conditions, an application rate of 100 IJs/mL (LD₉₀₌102 IJs/mL) effectively controlled codling moth larvae in these bins, and for further laboratory bioassays, the LD₅₀ value of 18 IJs/mL (?25 IJs/mL) was identified as the discriminating dosage. Maximum mortality was attained when bins were pre-wet for at least 1 min (>90% RH) and maintained at maximum humidity (>95% RH) post-treatment for at least 3 days (LT₉₀=73 h), to ensure nematode survival and subsequent satisfactory infection of diapausing codling moth larvae. Tarping bins achieved the desired high level of humidity required. Furthermore, adjuvants (specifically Reverseal 10?) also improved an application. The study conclusively illustrated that if all the above-mentioned conditions are met, H. zealandica has the potential to successfully disinfest wooden fruit bins of codling moth.     

Coin-flipping plasticity and prolonged diapause in insects: example of the chestnut weevil Curculio elephas (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Spreading of emergence over several years due to prolonged diapause in some larvae was shown in the chestnut weevil. Depending on the year the larvae buried themselves in the ground, 32–56% of live adults emerged after 2 or 3 years of underground life. Variability in the duration of diapause was assumed to correspond to tactics of adaptative coin-flipping plasticity. This plasticity must allow the chestnut weevil to respond to the unpredictability of its habitat as measured by the irregularity of chestnut production and summer drought. Indeed, fecundity and adult longevity did not lessen after 2 years of underground life. No drastic decrease in the population size of weevils occurs after bad years; for instance when the number of chestnuts on the study tree is less than 10 000, passers-by can collect all the fruit and about 95% of larvae developing in chestnuts are destroyed. Diapause nature (simple or prolonged) may be related to moisture and gas rates in the ground from October to December. These factors acting in autumn are not known to be involved in the physiological mechanisms that control the production of chestnuts.     

Susceptibility of Oriental armyworm,Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae and pupae to native entomopathogenic nematodes

The Oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of cereal crops, and its outbreaks result in complete crop loss. In this study, we tested the pathogenicity and reproductive potential of indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunakar, & David NBAIIH38, Steinernema abbasi Elawad NBAIISa01, S. carpocapsae Weiser NBAIISc05 and S. siamkayai Stock, Somsook and Reid NBAIRS92 against larval and pupal stages of M. separata under laboratory conditions. Steinernema carpocapsae caused significantly greater mortality in second- and fourth-instar larval stages than other EPNs species. Steinernema carpocapsae caused greatest mortality 100% in larval stages and 75% in pupal stages. Significant differences were observed in the lethal concentration values (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀) of EPNs species against different stages of M. separata. Differences in penetration and multiplication in the fourth-instar larval stages of M. separata were observed amongst the EPNs species. However, further studies are needed to reveal the field performance of EPN isolates tested to be included in the IPM programme of M. separata.     

Pathogenicity of Heterorhabditis nematodes isolated from north-western Himalaya against the larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The efficacy of three entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis spp.), from north western Himalaya, India was studied against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), under laboratory conditions. The larvae were exposed to 10, 20, 30 and 40 infective juveniles (IJs) of each nematode species for different time periods and they were found to be susceptible to all the EPNs tested. However, the susceptibility of larvae to nematode infection varied according to the dosages of IJs and their exposure periods. The efficacy of these indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes was also evaluated against the commercially available entomopathogenic nematode H. indica. An indigenous isolate, H. bacteriophora (HRJ), along with the commercial isolate H. indica recorded 100.0% mortality of insect larvae in 96 h exposure time against third instar larvae of P. xylostella. However, it was noticed that with the advancement of larval stage its mortality rate reduces and vice versa with the exposure period. All the tested nematode species were also found to reproduce within the host and produced infective juveniles. In conclusion, the evidence obtained in this study suggests that all the three indigenous EPN species are virulent enough to produce 100% mortality of larvae of P. xylostella. These EPN species thus have potential for the management of P. xylostella under integrated management practices.     

Control of Black Vine Weevil larvae Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) in grow bags outdoors with nematodes

Abstract 1 Outdoor trials were carried out during 2001–02 on strawberries grown in commercial growing bags naturally infested with black vine weevil larvae (BVW) Otiorhynchus sulcatus in Co. Wexford, Ireland. 2 The two nematode isolates used in these trials were Heterorhabditis megidis (UK211) and Heterorhabditis downesi (K122), both laboratory cultured. Growing bags received nematodes either once (May 2001), twice (May and October 2001) or three times (May, October 2001 and May 2002). Ten days after each application date, nine blocks (of the total 27) were randomly selected, destructively assessed and discarded. 3 The single application (May 2001) resulted in a mortality of black vine weevil larvae, of 93.4% with H. megidis and 51.3% with H. downesi, compared with the control treatment at that date. Respective figures after the double application (May 2001 and October 2001) were 78.9 and 77.6% and after the triple application (May 2001, October 2001 and May 2002) the figures were 93.7 and 88.1%. 4 Results from these trials clearly indicate that entomopathogenic nematodes are good alternatives to chemical control of the black vine weevil on strawberries grown in growing bags in Ireland.     

Effect of temperature on the termination of prolonged larval diapause in the chestnut weevil Curculio sikkimensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Adults of the chestnut weevil Curculio sikkimensis emerged over a 3-year period under laboratory and quasi-field conditions due to a prolonged diapause that occurred at the mature larval stage. Variable proportions of the larvae remained in diapause after a single cold (5 degrees C) treatment of 120 days. Extension of the chilling period to as long as 540 days did not increase the percentage of diapause termination, and excessively long chilling actually reduced the percentage. Chilling was not indispensable to the termination of larval diapause. Diapause intensity was very high and variable, and more than 1000 days at 20 degrees C was necessary to reactivate all diapause larvae. When the diapause larvae were exposed to cycles of low (5 degrees C for 120 days) and high (20 degrees C for 240 days) temperatures, the percentage of diapause termination reached 100% after two or three such cycles. Thus, the prolonged diapause of C. sikkimensis has characteristics similar to the common short winter diapause in other insects, but has unique characteristics that ensure polymodal reactivation over several years.     

Isolation of microsatellite loci in the codling moth,Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Cydia pomonella L. is an important insect pest of pome fruits worldwide. We have isolated and characterized 17 microsatellite loci from the enriched genomic libraries constructed using a biotin/streptavidin capture protocol. Among these loci, 11 were scored polymorphic when 50 individuals from a laboratory population were screened. Their alleles numbered two to four, with the observed heterozygosity (H_O) ranging from 0.114 to 0.404. Successful amplification was obtained for all these loci when the designed primers were tested, showing the promise of use in genetic mapping and population studies.     

Entomopathogenic nematodes from north-eastern South Africa and their virulence against false codling moth,Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

A survey was undertaken to determine the diversity and frequency of endemic entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in subtropical regions in the Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. A total of 136 soil samples were randomly taken from cultivated and uncultivated habitats, including subtropical fruit tree orchards (avocado, litchi, macadamia, mango and guava) and adjoining natural vegetation. EPNs were isolated from 14 samples (10.3%) by means of baiting with Tenebrio molitor larvae. Heterorhabditis was the most common genus isolated from 12 samples, whereas only two Steinernema species were isolated. The most common Heterorhabditis isolated were Heterorhabditis noenieputensis and H. zealandica, which were both isolated from four samples each. The present report is the first occurrence of H. taysearae and H. baujardi in South Africa. The two Steinernema species are both unknown species. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the potential of seven native EPN isolates to control the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) (FCM). Last instar FCM larvae were found to be most susceptible to S. yirgalemense (157-C), H. zealandica (WS 23) and Steinernema litchii (WS9), when exposed to 50 IJs/50?µ? water for 48?h, causing 100%, 94.2% and 93.5% mortality, respectively.     

Host density effects on efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) species

We tested the effect of host density on entomopathogenic nematode efficacy in 1-L pots with grass and soil. In four experiments, combinations ranged from somewhat resistant hosts (oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis, or northern masked chafer, Cyclocephala borealis, with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) over more susceptible hosts (Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, with Steinernema glaseri) to a highly susceptible host (P. japonica and S. scarabaei). In each experiment, four larval densities were exposed to two nematode rates over a 14-day period. A significant effect of host density on nematode efficacy occurred only in the A. orientalis–H. bacteriophora combination, but there was no clear trend in the data. This suggests that an exhaustion of available nematode populations to less lethal levels by high host numbers was counteracted by other factors such as increased chances for nematode-host contact and increased host susceptibility due to stress via reduced food resources and increased aggression between larvae.     

Laboratory and field evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of Agriotes obscurus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

The susceptibility of the dusky wireworm, Agriotes obscurus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae), to different species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes was tested in a virulence assay in the laboratory. Larvae were exposed to different nematode doses of 50 and 100 IJs/cm². At a dose of 50 IJs/cm², only a commercial strain Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar and the native strain Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) B14 caused increased mortality compared with the control (11.1% and 13.3% mortality, respectively). At the higher dose tested, all strains (except Steinernema sp. D122) were virulent to A. obscurus larvae. Steinernema carpocapsae B14 caused higher mortality of wireworm (75.6%) and was used for the assay conducted in cages, with a dose of 100 IJs/cm², in field conditions. The results showed that S. carpocapsae B14 controlled 48.3% of A. obscurus larvae, demonstrating that some entomopathogenic nematodes have the potential to control larvae of A. obscurus. However, further work is needed to improve their efficacy.