The potential of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents for clover root weevil (<i>Sitona lepidus</i>)

Abstract

The efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis zealandica H bacteriophora Steinernema carpocapsae and S feltiae against clover root weevil (CRW) larvae and pupae was determined in petri dish and pot experiments Field collected third instar (L3)pupal CRW immature stages were used and experiments were conducted in a controlled environment room at 18C Weevil survival and development was assessed 7 and 10 days after nematode inoculation for petri and pot experiments respectively All nematodes significantly reduced CRW survival and all except S feltiae prevented adult development Under the conditions used in this study Heterorhabditis spp were generally more effective than Steinernema spp Results are discussed in terms of the potential use of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents for this clover pest