Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Cydalima perspectalis and Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera), two invasive forest pests in Iran

Abstract

The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis, and the fall webworm (FWW), Hyphantria cunea are two invasive forest pests in northern Iran. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are usually compatible with integrated pest management programs. In this study, the efficacy of five isolates of EPNs was evaluated against the two pests in laboratory and field conditions. LC50 values of Steinernema carpocapsae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (Entonem), Oscheius rugaoensis and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (IRTabriz) were as follow: 44.8, 66.5, 113.8, 190.7 and 515.9 infective juveniles (IJs) larva−1 on the fifth instar larvae of BTM; and 75.2, 96.6, 131.0, 258.0 and 292.5 IJs larva−1 on fifth instar larvae of FWW, respectively in the laboratory tests 48 h post-treatment at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. Under field conditions, the foliar applications of S. carpocapsae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (IRTabriz), and S. feltiae (Entonem) at the rate of 106 IJs L−1 resulted in 36–58% mortality after 48 h against BTM and 15–52% mortality against FWW, respectively. The results demonstrate that EPNs are promising candidates for biocontrol of BTW and FWW.