Abstract
The intensive exploitation of “erva mate” (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) (Aquifoliaceae) has favored the emergence of pests, including Hedypathes betulinus. We evaluated 18 isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes in the Steinernema and Heterorhabditis genera for control of H. betulinus adults, and tested nematode in-vivo replication capacity in Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. We also evaluated the effect of adjuvants for foliar application, and the efficiency of nematode isolates selected in erva mate seedlings in the greenhouse via application to soil and plant shoots. The PI and CB40 isolates showed the hgh virulence (92.5% insect mortality by both). The PI isolate showed low productivity in G. mellonella larvae, thus only CB40 was used in subsequent tests. Only emulsified vegetable oil adjuvant was compatible with nematodes. Soil application of nematodes proved ineffective; however, shoot application on erva mate seedlings showed significant mortality (82.5%) after exposure to the CB40 isolate without adjuvant.
Highlights
Erva mate Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hil. (Aqüifoliaceae) plants are native to southern and midwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina
This study aimed to evaluate and select isolates of Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to control H. betulinus, those showing virulence and high productivity, as well as efficiency in semi-field conditions after soil and leaf application
(CB40 and PI, both belonging to the genus Heterorhabditis)
Summary
Erva mate Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hil. (Aqüifoliaceae) plants are native to southern and midwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. (Aqüifoliaceae) plants are native to southern and midwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Changing in erva mate to monoculture production has increased the productivity, and in Brazil erva mate annual production is estimated approximately in 252,700 tons, concentrated in the states of Brazilian south region (Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states) (IBGE, 2013). Monoculture production in Brazil favors the occurrence of pests, especially Hedypathes betulinus (Klug, 1825) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), named “broca da erva-mate” (PENTEADO et al, 2000; BORGES et al, 2003). Adults live in the shoot, and mate and lay eggs near the base of the plant, on the branches and in bark crevices (CASSANELLO, 1993; GALILEO et al, 1993; D'AVILA et al, 2006).
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