Critical factors required by the nematode Steinernema feltiae for the control of the leafminers Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza bryoniae and Chromatomyia syngenesiae |
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Authors: | E C WILLIAMS O C MACDONALD |
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Institution: | Central Science Laboratory, MA FF, Hatching Green, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2BD, UK |
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Abstract: | The critical factors required by entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of dipteran leafminers were investigated and compared. The foliar application of Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis sp. (strain UK 211) caused a significant reduction in the numbers of dipteran leafminer larvae. There was no significant difference in efficacy between these nematode species against Liriomyza huidobrensis at 20°C and 85–90% r.h. Application of S. feltiae to all three larval instars of L. huidobrensis significantly reduced larval survival, with application to the second instar being the most effective at 20 ± 2°C and 80 ± 10% r.h. Humidities of >90% significantly enhanced the efficacy of S. feltiae. When S. feltiae was applied to second instar larvae, it was equally effective throughout the temperature range 10–30°C. At 20°C and >90% r.h., sufficient nematodes were able to enter the leaf tissues within the first 12 h after application to reduce larval survival to c. 15%. A comparison between L. huidobrensis, L. bryoniue and Chromatomyia syngenesiue indicated that the efficacy of S. feltiae was affected by the same critical factors for all three species. |
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Keywords: | Steinernema feltiae leafminers humidity temperature biological control |
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