Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) - the first member from Heterorhabditidae family in Slovenia

Abstract

In August 2008, we examined 95 soil samples for the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes in eastern part of Slovenia. 11 samples from 9 different locations were positive to entomopathogenic nematodes, but to this time only sample D54 was analysed. This soil sample was collected in Dravograd. Genetic studies proved that the nematode species in this sample was Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. This is the first record of Heterorhabditis nematode in Slovenia. Until now we confirmed the presence of four entomopathogenic nematode species in Slovenia; Steinernema affine, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema kraussei. We expect that in Slovenia the use of these biological agents against insect pests will become important alternative to insecticides as it is known in many other countries of the world.