The rhabditid nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita as a potential biological control agent for slugs |
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Authors: | M J Wilson D M Glen S K George |
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Institution: | Department of Agricultural Sciences, AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research, Long Ashton Research Station , University of Bristol , Bristol, BS18 9AF, UK |
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Abstract: | A nematode, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, known to be associated with slugs but not previously thought to be parasitic, was shown to be a parasite capable of killing the pest slug Deroceras reticulatum. The parasite infects slugs in the area beneath the mantle surrounding the shell, causing a disease with characteristic symptoms, particularly swelling of the mantle. Infection leads to death of the slug, usually between seven and 21 days afterwards. The nematode then spreads and multiplies in the cadaver. In an experiment where individual D. reticulatum were exposed to different numbers of P. hermaphrodita, a significant positive relationship was found between nematode dose and slug mortality. In two experiments on host range, the nematode was found to infect and kill all pest slug species tested: Deroceras caruanae, Arion distinctus, Arion silvaticus, Arion intermedius, Arion ater, Tandonia sowerbyi and T. budapestensis, in addition to D. reticulatum. |
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Keywords: | Nematode Parasite Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita biological control slugs Deroceras Arion Tandonia |
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