Utilisation of entomopathogenic nematodes, Heterorhabditis spp. and Steinernema spp., for the control of Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in China

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have good application prospects for the control of the black cutworm, Agrotis Ípsilon. In the present study, the effects of isolate, exposure rate, temperature and larval stage on EPN infectivity to A. ípsilon were evaluated. Results of in vitro tests showed that Steinemema carpocapsae Mex and Heterorhabditis indica LN2 were the most virulent and promising species, causing 80.0 and 83.3% mortality, respectively, to the third instar larvae at 25°C and 72 h after infection. Mortality of A. Ípsilon caused by the nematodes was significantly affected by EPN exposure rate, temperature and the larval stage. Both S. carpocapsae and H. índica caused greater mortality to the third instar of A. ípsilon at 25°C than at 15, 20 and 30°C. Both EPN isolates also caused higher mortality to the second instar than to the third and fourth instar larvae of A. ípsilon. The field trials of EPN for the control of A. Ípsilon also showed that S. carpocapsae Mex and H. indica LN2 reduced the damage caused by A. Ípsilon and increased the cabbage yield when compared with the control. Both EPN isolates showed better control effects than cyfluthrin and Bacillus thuringíensís, indicating that these two EPN isolates could be used for sustainable control of A. ípsilon in vegetable fields in China.

First report of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, from Moghan region of Iran and its efficacy against the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum Denis and Schiffermuller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), larvae

“…Various studies have investigated the effect of EPNs on different species of Agrotis in various methods (Unlu et al, 2007;Gokce et al, 2013;Yan et al, 2014 andYuksel andCanhilal 2018). Obtained results are consistent with other researches concerning the effect of S. carpocapsae on A. segetum.…”

“…Due to their soil-dwelling habits, cutworms are difficult to control; however, S. carpocapsae as an ambusher species is a promising biological control agent against A. segetum. Some previous studies indicated the efficacy of this EPN against Agrotis species under laboratory and field conditions (Morris et al, 1990;Levine andOloumi-Sadeghi, 1992 andYan et al, 2014).…”

Biological control potential of North West Himalayan strains of heterorhabditid nematodes against the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Against A. segetum, there was a 66.70% mortality rate, with H. indica PDBC EN 6.71 72 h post inoculation (Hussaini et al 2000). Yan et al (2014) also reported that H. indica LN2 was the most virulent and promising species, causing 83.3% mortality to the L3 72 h post infection.…”

Integrated Management of Chive Gnats (Bradysia odoriphaga Yang & Zhang) in Chives Using Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Low-Toxicity Insecticides

“…Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) have been successfully used to control some soil-dwelling and boring insect pests, because they can actively search for their hosts [9,10,11,12]. Earlier studies have showed that EPN had the potential to control B. odoriphaga .…”