Two native Wisconsin nematodes represent virulent biocontrol agents in cranberries

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2019Source: Biological ControlAuthor(s): Shane Foye, Shawn SteffanAbstractIn 2015 and 2016, surveys of entomopathogenic nematodes were conducted in the wild cranberry habitats of Wisconsin. The purpose of the survey was to find a biological control agent for control of insect pests of cranberries. Two nematodes, Oscheius onirici Torini (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) and Heterorhabditis georgiana Nguyen (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae), were collected in this survey. Laboratory trials show that applications of either O. onirici or H. georgiana resulted in 75% and 65% mortality rates, respectively, when applied to sparganothis fruitworm Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae. In replicated field trials, both nematode species were also shown to significantly suppress the redheaded flea beetle, Systena frontalis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) populations. Collectively, these findings suggest that these nematodes may be promising bio-insecticides for cranberries.Graphical abstract
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research