| Abstract: | The introduction of a novel entomopathogenis nematode Steinernema carpocapsae strain "agriotos" (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) into the soil of an orchard resulted in the reduction (up to 50 %) of total amount of phytophagous insects. No negative effect on the groups of beneficial arthropods, caused by the nematode, has been found. Recommended optimal application rate is 500 thousand invasive nematode larvae per 1 m2 of the soil. Increase or decrease of the application rate resulted in the rise of the abundance of phytophagous insects. This fact proved the existence of regulating factors determining optimal ratios of the amounts of parasites at micro- and macro-levels. Activation of native populations of entomopathogenic nematodes in soil surface layer has been observed after the introduction of the novel parasite species. |
