The effect of oil derivatives on the ability of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae to find host

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of oil derivatives on entomopatogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae. The effect of unleaded petrol, diesel oil and used engine oil on the ability of S. feltiae infective juveniles to locate test insect was investigated. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions in four replications. In the first experiment the effect of oil derivatives on behavior of infective juveniles on agar medium in the presence of test insects was investigated. Oil derivatives were added to the medium at the rate of : 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mm dm. Infective juveniles did not dispersed towards test insects on agar medium contaminated with oil derivatives. The application of high doses of oil derivatives had also negative effect on nematodes activity and mortality. In the second experiment infective juveniles were applied into contaminated soil. Soil was polluted with following oil derivatives: unleaded petrol, diesel oil and used engine oil at the rate of : 2000, 4000, 6000 i 8000 mg kg. In soil contaminated with oil derivatives test insect mortality was significantly lower than in uncontaminated control. It was also revealed that less extensive infestation of test insects with nematodes was observed in contaminated soil. Reaction of S. feltiae to particular oil derivatives was diverse. The most toxic effect on nematode ability to find host was observed in soil polluted with unleaded petrol. The applied oil derivatives had also an adverse effect on the female/male ratio of nematodes infesting host insect.