Ecological characterization of Steinernema anatoliense (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

Our study describes the basic ecological characteristics of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema anatoliense including its response to temperature, moisture, and host range. The effect of temperature and soil moisture on the infection of Galleria mellonella larvae by S. anatoliense was determined. The temperature range for infectivity was greater than that for development. The optimal temperature for infection and development was 25 degrees C. Although S. anatoliense infected the hosts at 10 degrees C, no reproduction occurred at this temperature. This nematode species that was isolated from a cold region of Turkey exhibited warm-adapted temperature characteristics. Optimum water content of the soil for S. anatoliense to infect the host was 10%.