Inoculative Release of Steinernema scapterisci (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) to Suppress Pest Mole Crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) on Golf Courses

Abstract

Single inoculative applications of Steinernema scapterisci were made on golf courses in north central (Alachua County) and southeastern (Broward County) Florida. Nematode-infected Scapteriscus spp. mole crickets were collected from eight of nine treated plots and from five of six treated plots in Alachua and Broward counties, respectively. However, infected individuals were collected with regularity from only two courses in Alachua County where level of infection was greatest during the spring (March-June). Weekly infection levels for weeks 1–12 after treatment ranged from 0–100%. Infection of Scapteriscus spp. adults from treated plots in Alachua County, 25.2%, was significantly greater than that for nymphs, 1.2%; and infection of Scapteriscus borellii , 25.0%, was significantly greater than that of S. vicinus , 11.0%. Nematode-infected mole crickets were collected from four control plots in Alachua County and from one in Broward County during the 2nd yr after treatment. Significantly fewer mole crickets were collected in 24-h trap catches the 2nd yr after treatment on all treated plots combined and control plots combined in both counties. Mean trap catch was reduced 68, 62, and 41% the 2nd yr on treated plots where the nematode persisted; on control plots where infected crickets were collected; and on control plots where the nematode was not detected, respectively. Damage ratings and number of mole crickets soap-flushed from treated plots were significantly reduced the 2nd yr after treatment. Results indicate S. scapterisci can serve as an inoculative biological control agent for Scapteriscus spp. mole crickets on golf courses and as a biopesticide for relatively rapid suppression of pest populations.