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Abstract
This laboratory study examined viability and infectivity of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar in solutions containing four different turfgrass soil surfactants: Revolution (Aquatrols Corp., Paulsboro, NJ), Aqueduct (Aquatrols Corp., Paulsboro, NJ), Cascade Plus (Precision Laboratories Inc., Waukegan, IL) and OARS (Aqua-Aid Inc., Rocky Mount, NC). Infective juvenile H. bacteriophora were added to solutions containing each of the four surfactants, and nematode viability and infectivity were monitored over time. In one of two trials, nematode survival in solutions containing the surfactants Aqueduct and Cascade Plus was consistently higher compared to the water control and solutions containing Revolution or OARS. Surfactants had no significant influence on nematode infectivity in either trial. Findings indicate that most of the common turfgrass soil surfactants examined should be compatible with EPNs and that some may potentially enhance nematode survival. Results also imply that tank-mixing of EPNs with most turfgrass soil surfactants should not pose a significant risk to the nematodes. The influence of soil surfactants on EPN performance remains to be examined in the field.
Highlights
At 12 days, the Aqueduct® and Cascade PlusTM solutions resulted in significantly higher entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) survival than the water control
Results of the current study indicate that in situations where tank-mixing nematodes with surfactants is desirable, most surfactants, should pose little risk to EPNs
Results suggest that the addition of wetting agents to the soil should not be detrimental to nematode longevity or infectivity and that several of the surfactants studied may enhance nematode longevity
Summary
EPNs used for Biological Control in Turfgrass. In order for Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to be an effective form of biological control, appropriate matching of nematode host finding behaviors with the behavior and habitat of the target pest is essential. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are microscopic roundworms that parasitize and kill many insect pest species. These nematodes penetrate their insect host through the mouth, anus or spiracles, or by passing directly through the insect cuticle. EPNs release a species-specific bacterial symbiont that multiplies exponentially within the insect’s body, killing the insect within 24 to 48 hours [1]. Two genera of nematodes within the order Rhabditida, the Steinernematids and Heterorhabditids, have both had some success has biocontrol agents [2]
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