Pathogenicity of the Steinernema feltiae TUR-S3 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Isolate on Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

For many years, pesticides have been employed to manage pests that cause losses in agricultural yield and quality during storage. However, as the harmful effects of pesticides on non-target organisms became apparent, alternative approaches gained traction. Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs), commonly used in biological control, are now being considered for controlling Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). This study evaluated the efficacy of Steinernema feltiae TUR-S3 (Rhabditida: Steinernema) isolate at five different concentrations (3 Infective Juveniles (IJs)/cm2 (8 IJs/adult), 6 IJs/cm2 (17 IJs/adult), 9 IJs/cm2 (25 IJs/adult), 18 IJs/cm2 (50 IJs/adult), 27 IJs/cm2 (75 IJs/adult)) against adult O. surinamensis and T. confusum. The results indicated the highest mortality rate, reaching 83.33%, was achieved in both pests at a concentration of 27 IJs/cm2 (75 IJs/adult). This suggests promising potential for controlling O. surinamensis and T. confusum using this approach.