Occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil / Ocorrência de Aelurostrongylus abstrusus em gatos domésticos no município de Vilhena, Rondônia, Brasil

Aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated feline respiratory disease. Cats infected by A. abstrusus may show subclinical to severe clinical signs. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has a worldwide distribution. Nevertheless, studies on this parasite in Brazil are scarce, and most have been conducted in the southern regions. This study investigated the occurrence of A. abstrusus in cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil, from April 2020 to February 2021. Three consecutive individual fecal samples from 101 cats were examined using Baermann and Hoffman tests. Two cats (1.98%) scored positive for A. abstrusus, one with the Baermann examination, and one with the Hoffman technique. No other lungworms were retrieved. The clinicopathological and epizootiological implications are described and discussed.(AU)

A aeluroestrongilose, causada pelo nematoide metastrongilídeo Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, é uma doença respiratória subestimada. Os gatos infectados pelo A. abstrusus podem ser assintomáticos ou apresentarem sinais graves. O A. abstrusus possui distribuição cosmopolita. Apesar disso, estudos sobre esse parasita no Brasil são escassos, e a maioria deles são realizados na região Sul. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de A. abstrusus em gatos de Vilhena, Rondônia, Brasil. De abril de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, foram avaliadas três amostras consecutivas de fezes de 101 felinos, utilizando-se as técnicas de Baermann e de a Hoffman. Dois gatos (1,98%) foram positivos para A. abstrusus, um pela técnica de Baermann e outro pela técnica de Hoffman. Não foram encontrados outros parasitas pulmonares. Os achados clínicos dos gatos positivos foram descritos, e os resultados deste estudo discutidos sob aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos.(AU)

Pathogenicity and virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against Dichelops melacanthus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Patogenicidade e virulência de nematoides entomopatogênicos contra Dichelops melacanthus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Infestações e danos de Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), na cultura do milho e trigo no Brasil tem aumentado nos últimos anos, principalmente devido à sua capacidade de sobreviver ao período de entressafra. O controle deste inseto é realizado principalmente com inseticidas químicos, porém o desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos, como o controle biológico, pode contribuir para um manejo mais sustentável. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de nematoides entomopatogênicos (NEPs) no controle de D. melacanthus. O teste de seleção foi realizado com 15 isolados dos gêneros Steinernema e Heterorhabditis quanto à patogenicidade e virulência sobre adultos de D. melacanthus. Foram realizados, também, teste de concentrações (10, 20, 40, 50 e 100 juvenis infectantes (JIs)/cm²) e teste em casa-de-vegetação, nos quais utilizou-se apenas o isolado Steinernema feltiae (IBCB-n 47). Todos os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os dados do teste de seleção foram submetidos ao teste de médias de Scott-Knott (P ≤ 0,05) e os do ensaio em casa-de-vegetação ao Teste-t de Student. Os resultados do ensaio de concentrações foram submetidos à análise de regressão. Todos os isolados apresentaram patogenicidade e virulência sobre adultos de D. melacanthus. Os isolados GL (Heterorhabditis amazonensis), IBCB-n27 (Steinernema sp.) e RSC05 (H. amazonensis) foram os mais virulentos (80,0; 82,0 e 88,0% de mortalidade respectivamente). As concentrações mais altas de S. feltiae (50 e 100 JIs/cm²) foram responsáveis pelas maiores taxas de mortalidade dos percevejos (88,0 e 86,0% respectivamente). No teste realizado em casa-de-vegetação, S. feltiae causou mortalidade (38%) superior ao controle.

Infestations of Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas; Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in corn and wheat in Brazil, and the subsequent damage, have increased in recent years, mainly owing to this insect’s ability to survive the off-season. The control of this insect is mainly carried out with chemical insecticides, but the development of alternative methods, such as biological control, can contribute to a more sustainable management. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for the control of D. melacanthus. A selection test was performed with 15 isolates of genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis regarding their pathogenicity and virulence on adults of D. melacanthus. Concentration (10, 20, 40, 50, and 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/cm2) and greenhouse tests were carried out only with the Steinernema feltiae isolate (IBCB-n 47). All experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. The selection test data were submitted to the Scott-Knott averages test (P ≤ 0.05), and those from the greenhouse test to the Student’s t-test. The results of the concentration assay were subjected to regression analysis. All isolates showed pathogenicity and virulence in adults of D. melacanthus. The isolates GL (Heterorhabditis amazonensis), IBCB-n27 (Steinernema sp.), and RSC05 (H. amazonensis) were the most virulent (80.0, 82.0, and 88.0% mortality, respectively). The higher concentrations of S. feltiae (50 and 100 IJs/cm²) were responsible for the highest mortality rates of green belly stink bug (88.0 and 86.0%, respectively). In the greenhouse test, S. feltiae caused higher mortality (38%) than the control.

Pathogenicity and virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against Dichelops melacanthus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Patogenicidade e virulência de nematoides entomopatogênicos contra Dichelops melacanthus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Infestações e danos de Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), na cultura do milho e trigo no Brasil tem aumentado nos últimos anos, principalmente devido à sua capacidade de sobreviver ao período de entressafra. O controle deste inseto é realizado principalmente com inseticidas químicos, porém o desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos, como o controle biológico, pode contribuir para um manejo mais sustentável. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de nematoides entomopatogênicos (NEPs) no controle de D. melacanthus. O teste de seleção foi realizado com 15 isolados dos gêneros Steinernema e Heterorhabditis quanto à patogenicidade e virulência sobre adultos de D. melacanthus. Foram realizados, também, teste de concentrações (10, 20, 40, 50 e 100 juvenis infectantes (JIs)/cm²) e teste em casa-de-vegetação, nos quais utilizou-se apenas o isolado Steinernema feltiae (IBCB-n 47). Todos os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os dados do teste de seleção foram submetidos ao teste de médias de Scott-Knott (P ≤ 0,05) e os do ensaio em casa-de-vegetação ao Teste-t de Student. Os resultados do ensaio de concentrações foram submetidos à análise de regressão. Todos os isolados apresentaram patogenicidade e virulência sobre adultos de D. melacanthus. Os isolados GL (Heterorhabditis amazonensis), IBCB-n27 (Steinernema sp.) e RSC05 (H. amazonensis) foram os mais virulentos (80,0; 82,0 e 88,0% de mortalidade respectivamente). As concentrações mais altas de S. feltiae (50 e 100 JIs/cm²) foram responsáveis pelas maiores taxas de mortalidade dos percevejos (88,0 e 86,0% respectivamente). No teste realizado em casa-de-vegetação, S. feltiae causou mortalidade (38%) superior ao controle.(AU)

Infestations of Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas; Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in corn and wheat in Brazil, and the subsequent damage, have increased in recent years, mainly owing to this insects ability to survive the off-season. The control of this insect is mainly carried out with chemical insecticides, but the development of alternative methods, such as biological control, can contribute to a more sustainable management. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for the control of D. melacanthus. A selection test was performed with 15 isolates of genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis regarding their pathogenicity and virulence on adults of D. melacanthus. Concentration (10, 20, 40, 50, and 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/cm2) and greenhouse tests were carried out only with the Steinernema feltiae isolate (IBCB-n 47). All experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. The selection test data were submitted to the Scott-Knott averages test (P ≤ 0.05), and those from the greenhouse test to the Students t-test. The results of the concentration assay were subjected to regression analysis. All isolates showed pathogenicity and virulence in adults of D. melacanthus. The isolates GL (Heterorhabditis amazonensis), IBCB-n27 (Steinernema sp.), and RSC05 (H. amazonensis) were the most virulent (80.0, 82.0, and 88.0% mortality, respectively). The higher concentrations of S. feltiae (50 and 100 IJs/cm²) were responsible for the highest mortality rates of green belly stink bug (88.0 and 86.0%, respectively). In the greenhouse test, S. feltiae caused higher mortality (38%) than the control.(AU)

Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis for the control of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) / Potencial de nematoides entomopatogênicos do gênero Heterorhabditis para o controle de Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

The present study verified the pathogenic potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genus Heterorhabditis (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, isolate HP88 and Heterorhabditis baujardi isolate LPP7) to immature stages of Stomoxys calcitrans in the laboratory. All EPN concentrations of the H. bacteriophora HP88 strain caused mean larval mortality greater than 90% after four days. Higher concentrations of the H. baujardi LPP7 isolate (≥50 EPNs/larva) eliminated more than 70% of larvae after six days with the concentration 200 EPNs/larva reaching mortality levels of 93.3%. The larval mortality at all concentrations of EPNs (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 EPNs/larva) for both strains was significant (p<0.05) when compared to the respective control groups. Concentrations of H. bacteriophora HP88 yielded an LC50 of 0.36 EPN/larva and LC90 of 29.1; while H. baujardi LPP7 yielded an LC50 of 39.85 and LC90 of 239.18. H. bacteriophora HP88 provided greater inhibition of the emergence of adults when compared to the response obtained with H. baujardi LPP7. EPNs did not cause considerable mortality when applied directly to pupae. The set of observed results suggests that the EPNs of the genus Heterorhabditis, isolates HP88 and LPP7, are a promising alternative in the control of the stable fly.(AU)

O presente estudo verificou o potencial patogênico de nematoides (NEP) do gênero Heterorhabditis (H. bacteriophora- isolado HP88 e H. baujardi - isolado LPP7) para estágios imaturos de Stomoxys calcitrans em laboratório. Todas as concentrações de NEPs da cepa HP88 causaram mortalidade larval média maior que 90% após quatro dias. Concentrações mais elevadas da cepa LPP7 (≥50 NEPs/larva) eliminaram mais de 70% após seis dias, com a concentração 200 NEPs/larva atingindo níveis de 93,3%. A mortalidade larval em todas as concentrações de NEPs (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 NEPs/larva) para ambas as cepas foi significativa (p<0,05), quando comparadas aos respectivos grupos controle. Concentrações de H. bacteriophora HP88 obtiveram LC50 de 0,36 NEP/larva e LC90 de 29,1; enquanto H. baujardi LPP7 obteve LC50 de 39,85 e LC90 de 239,18. O isolado H. bacteriophora HP88 propiciou maior inibição da emergência de adultos, quando comparado à resposta obtida com H. baujardi LPP7. NEPs não provocaram mortalidade considerável quando aplicados diretamente sobre pupas. O conjunto de resultados observados indica os nematoides entomopatogênicos do gênero Heterorhabditis (estirpes HP88 e LPP7) como uma alternativa promissora no controle da mosca dos estábulos.(AU)

Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis for the control of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) / Potencial de nematoides entomopatogênicos do gênero Heterorhabditis para o controle de Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract The present study verified the pathogenic potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genus Heterorhabditis (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, isolate HP88 and Heterorhabditis baujardi isolate LPP7) to immature stages of Stomoxys calcitrans in the laboratory. All EPN concentrations of the H. bacteriophora HP88 strain caused mean larval mortality greater than 90% after four days. Higher concentrations of the H. baujardi LPP7 isolate (≥50 EPNs/larva) eliminated more than 70% of larvae after six days with the concentration 200 EPNs/larva reaching mortality levels of 93.3%. The larval mortality at all concentrations of EPNs (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 EPNs/larva) for both strains was significant (p<0.05) when compared to the respective control groups. Concentrations of H. bacteriophora HP88 yielded an LC50 of 0.36 EPN/larva and LC90 of 29.1; while H. baujardi LPP7 yielded an LC50 of 39.85 and LC90 of 239.18. H. bacteriophora HP88 provided greater inhibition of the emergence of adults when compared to the response obtained with H. baujardi LPP7. EPNs did not cause considerable mortality when applied directly to pupae. The set of observed results suggests that the EPNs of the genus Heterorhabditis, isolates HP88 and LPP7, are a promising alternative in the control of the stable fly.

Resumo O presente estudo verificou o potencial patogênico de nematoides (NEP) do gênero Heterorhabditis (H. bacteriophora - isolado HP88 e H. baujardi - isolado LPP7) para estágios imaturos de Stomoxys calcitrans em laboratório. Todas as concentrações de NEPs da cepa HP88 causaram mortalidade larval média maior que 90% após quatro dias. Concentrações mais elevadas da cepa LPP7 (≥50 NEPs/larva) eliminaram mais de 70% após seis dias, com a concentração 200 NEPs/larva atingindo níveis de 93,3%. A mortalidade larval em todas as concentrações de NEPs (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 NEPs/larva) para ambas as cepas foi significativa (p<0,05), quando comparadas aos respectivos grupos controle. Concentrações de H. bacteriophora HP88 obtiveram LC50 de 0,36 NEP/larva e LC90 de 29,1; enquanto H. baujardi LPP7 obteve LC50 de 39,85 e LC90 de 239,18. O isolado H. bacteriophora HP88 propiciou maior inibição da emergência de adultos, quando comparado à resposta obtida com H. baujardi LPP7. NEPs não provocaram mortalidade considerável quando aplicados diretamente sobre pupas. O conjunto de resultados observados indica os nematoides entomopatogênicos do gênero Heterorhabditis (estirpes HP88 e LPP7) como uma alternativa promissora no controle da mosca dos estábulos.

Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis for the control of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

The present study verified the pathogenic potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genus Heterorhabditis (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, isolate HP88 and Heterorhabditis baujardi isolate LPP7) to immature stages of Stomoxys calcitrans in the laboratory. All EPN concentrations of the H. bacteriophora HP88 strain caused mean larval mortality greater than 90% after four days. Higher concentrations of the H. baujardi LPP7 isolate (≥50 EPNs/larva) eliminated more than 70% of larvae after six days with the concentration 200 EPNs/larva reaching mortality levels of 93.3%. The larval mortality at all concentrations of EPNs (25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 EPNs/larva) for both strains was significant (p<0.05) when compared to the respective control groups. Concentrations of H. bacteriophora HP88 yielded an LC50 of 0.36 EPN/larva and LC90 of 29.1; while H. baujardi LPP7 yielded an LC50 of 39.85 and LC90 of 239.18. H. bacteriophora HP88 provided greater inhibition of the emergence of adults when compared to the response obtained with H. baujardi LPP7. EPNs did not cause considerable mortality when applied directly to pupae. The set of observed results suggests that the EPNs of the genus Heterorhabditis, isolates HP88 and LPP7, are a promising alternative in the control of the stable fly.

Infectivity of Four Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Relation to Environmental Factors and Their Effects on the Biochemistry of the Medfly Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Late third instars of the medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), migrate from the host fruit into the soil and leaf litter beneath host trees, where they may become a target for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The effects of ultraviolet (UV) light, temperature, soil type (texture), and soil moisture level on infectivity of the four tested EPNs Heterorhabditis bacteriophora AS1, H. bacteriophora HP88, Steinernema carpocapsae ALL, and Steinernema riobrave ML29 to late third instars of C. capitata were evaluated. Biochemical alterations induced by the most virulent nematodes were quantified. The nematode infectivity decreased with increase in exposure time to UV light, whereas it increased with increase in temperature. Infectivity increased in sandy soil, whereas it decreased in silt and clay soils. Soils with high moisture levels decreased infectivity. Based on the 50% lethal concentration (LC50), H. bacteriophora AS1 and S. carpocapsae ALL were the most virulent heterorhabditid and steinernematid nematodes, respectively, with the highest virulence for H. bacteriophora AS1. The nematodes caused significant decline in total protein and cholesterol content of larvae and caused reduced activity of transaminases and phosphatases. In contrast, they significantly enhanced total glucose content. It can be concluded that the most optimum environmental conditions of the tested nematodes to elicit their infectivity against late third instars of C. capitata were sandy soil with 10% moisture level, ambient temperature of 25°C, and no exposure to UV. The EPNs tested can affect late third instars of C. capitata by targeting different biochemical molecules in different metabolic pathways. The interaction between them and the host larvae appears to be primarily nutritional.

Control of Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) in peach orchards.

Oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is considered a major pest in temperate fruit trees, such as peach and apple. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are regarded as viable for pest management control due to their efficiency against tortricid in these trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of native EPNs from Rio Grande do Sul state against pre-pupae of G. molesta under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, pre-pupae of G. molesta were placed in corrugated cardboard sheets inside glass tubes and exposed to 17 different EPNs strains at concentrations of 6, 12, 24, 48 and 60 IJs/cm(2) and maintained at 25 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and photophase of 16 h. Insect mortality was recorded 72 h after inoculation of EPNs. Steinernema rarum RS69 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora RS33 were the most virulent strains and selected for field application (LC95 of 70.5 and 53.8 IJs/cm(2), respectively). Both strains were highly efficient under field conditions when applied in aqueous suspension directed to larvae on peach tree trunk, causing mortality of 94 and 97.0%, respectively.

Biological characterization of the colombian isolate Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) / Caracterização biológica do isolamento colombiano Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae)

Heterorhabditis sp SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) is a native entomopathogenic nematode from Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colombia), a natural enemy of insects that can be used for controlling Plutella xylostella L, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall and Delia platura (Meigen); however its biological characterization is unknown. In order to know about the infective capacity of the isolate, tests were made with last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyrallidae) on penetration, one by one, exposure time, dose response and foraging strategy. The average infecting juveniles (IJ) entering larvae was 3 (1.5%). In the one-on-one test, larvae mortality ranged between 8.3 and 16.7%. There was no significant difference (p 0.05) between treatments and in number of dead larvae in the exposure time and dose response assays. Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 presented a cruiser foraging strategy, which indicates that it can be used for sessile or cryptic hosts.(AU)

Heterorhabditis sp.SL0708, nematoide entomopatogênico nativo de Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colômbia), é um inimigo natural que pode ser usado para o controle de Plutella xylostella L, Conotrachelus psidii Marshall e Delia platura (Meigen), porém, a sua caracterização biológica é desconhecida. Assim, ensaios de penetração, um a um, tempo de exposição, exposição a diferentes doses e estratégia de forrageio foram realizados com lagartas de último ínstar de Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyrallidae). A média dos juvenis infectantes (IJs) que ingressaram na lagarta foi 3 (1,5%). No ensaio um a um a mortalidade das lagartas oscilou entre 8,3 e 16,7%. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos e o número de lagartas mortas no tempo de exposição e dose. Heterorhabditis sp., apresentou uma estratégia de forrageio de cruzeiro, o que indica que pode ser usado para hospedeiros com hábitos sésseis ou crípticos.(AU)

Ecological characterisation of the Colombian entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708.

The entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) isolated from soil in Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colombia) was characterised ecologically using Galleria mellonella larvae (L) (Pyralidae: Galleriinae) as hosts. The effect of temperature on the viability, infectivity and reproduction, and of moisture on infectivity and storage in liquid were evaluated in infective juveniles (IJs). Significant differences were found in the viability, infectivity and reproduction of the IJs at different temperatures. No nematodes were recovered at 5 °C and 10 °C, and at 35 °C no infectivity was observed. Average daily nematode recovery was best at 25 °C, and survival of the IJs was low in substrates presenting 13% moisture. The optimal storage temperature for Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 was between 20 °C and 30 °C, keeping its infectivity for up to 8 weeks.

Spray nozzles, pressures, additives and stirring time on viability and pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes (nematoda: rhabditida) for greenhouses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate different strategies for the application of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). Three different models of spray nozzles with air induction (AI 11003, TTI 11003 and AD-IA 11004), three spray pressures (207, 413 and 720 kPa), four different additives for tank mixtures (cane molasses, mineral oil, vegetable oil and glycerin) and the influence of tank mixture stirring time were all evaluated for their effect on EPN (Steinernema feltiae) viability and pathogenicity. The different nozzles, at pressures of up to 620 kPa, were found to be compatible with S. feltiae. Vegetable oil, mineral oil and molasses were found to be compatible adjuvants for S. feltiae, and stirring in a motorized backpack sprayer for 30 minutes did not impact the viability or pathogenicity of this nematode. Appropriate techniques for the application of nematodes with backpack sprayers are discussed.

Ecological characterisation of the Colombian entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 / Caracterização ecológica do nematoide entomopatogênico colombiano Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708

The entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) isolated from soil in Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colombia) was characterised ecologically using Galleria mellonella larvae (L) (Pyralidae: Galleriinae) as hosts. The effect of temperature on the viability, infectivity and reproduction, and of moisture on infectivity and storage in liquid were evaluated in infective juveniles (IJs). Significant differences were found in the viability, infectivity and reproduction of the IJs at different temperatures. No nematodes were recovered at 5 °C and 10 °C, and at 35 °C no infectivity was observed. Average daily nematode recovery was best at 25 °C, and survival of the IJs was low in substrates presenting 13% moisture. The optimal storage temperature for Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708 was between 20 °C and 30 °C, keeping its infectivity for up to 8 weeks.

O nematoide entomopatogênico colombiano Heterorhabditis sp. SL0708, isolado do solo de Alcalá, Valle del Cauca (Colombia), foi caracterizado ecologicamente utilizando-se como hospedeiro lagartas de Galleria mellonella (L) (Pyralidae:Galleriinae). O efeito da temperatura na viabilidade, na infecção e na reprodução, e da umidade na infecção e do armazenamento em líquido foi avaliado em juvenis infectantes (JIs). Diferenças significativas na viabilidade, na infecção e na reprodução dos JIs foram observadas nas diferentes temperaturas. Não foram recuperados nematoides a 5 °C e 10 °C, e não se observou infecção a 35 °C. A maior média diária de recuperação de nematoides foi a 25 °C. Por outro lado, a sobrevivência dos JIs foi baixa nos substratos com unidades de 13% e a melhor temperatura de armazenamento para SL0708 foi entre 20 °C e 30 °C, mantendo a infecção até oito semanas.

Evaluation of efficacy of 18 strains of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida) against Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under laboratory conditions.

Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important plant virus vector in grapevine crops in Brazil and other countries. The mealybug grows in roots and leaves of the grapes. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are efficient control agents against insects associated to the soil and could be applied with the same equipment used for chemical insecticides. The aim of this study was to select effective EPNs for controlling P. citri females in laboratory conditions (25±1°C, UR 60±10%). We tested 17 native [Steinernema rarum (6 strains), Steinernema glaseri, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema riobrave, Steinernema sp., Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (7 strains)] and only one exotic strain (Steinernema carpocapsae ALL). The bioassays were done on Petri dishes infested with females of P. citri, which were sprayed with EPNs juveniles. The strain with larger pathogenicity and virulence in laboratory was H. bacteriophora RS33 (from 69.0% to 92.2% of mortality), native of Rio Grande do Sul.

Influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) against larvae of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is considered one of the main pests that affect fruit production in the world. This insect spends part of its life cycle in the soil, making it a target for entomopathogenic nematodes. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of Heterorhabditis sp. RSC01 and Steinernema carpocapsae ALL to third-instars of C. capitata, and to compare the efficiency of these isolates at five different soil temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28, and 31°C) and three levels of relative soil moisture (100, 75, and 50% of field capacity). Ten C. capitata larvae were transferred to plastic jars (12 cm × 6 cm) containing 100 g soil, followed by the application of an aqueous suspension containing 125 infective juveniles (IJ)/cm². In the control treatment, 3 ml of distilled water was applied. Mortality evaluations were made five days later and were confirmed by observations of the characteristic symptoms and cadaver dissection. The infectivity was directly proportional to temperature increase, with maximum percent mortality of 86.7% and 80.0% for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively, at 31°C. At 25°C, the highest mortality for both species was obtained at 75% of field capacity (96.7% and 26.7% for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively).

Influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) against larvae of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is considered one of the main pests that affect fruit production in the world. This insect spends part of its life cycle in the soil, making it a target for entomopathogenic nematodes. This work aimed at evaluating the influence of soil temperature and moisture on the infectivity of Heterorhabditis sp. RSC01 and Steinernema carpocapsae ALL to third-instars of C. capitata, and to compare the efficiency of these isolates at five different soil temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28, and 31°C) and three levels of relative soil moisture (100, 75, and 50 percent of field capacity). Ten C. capitata larvae were transferred to plastic jars (12 cm × 6 cm) containing 100 g soil, followed by the application of an aqueous suspension containing 125 infective juveniles (IJ)/cm². In the control treatment, 3 ml of distilled water was applied. Mortality evaluations were made five days later and were confirmed by observations of the characteristic symptoms and cadaver dissection. The infectivity was directly proportional to temperature increase, with maximum percent mortality of 86.7 percent and 80.0 percent for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively, at 31°C. At 25°C, the highest mortality for both species was obtained at 75 percent of field capacity (96.7 percent and 26.7 percent for S. carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis sp., respectively).

Effect of storage temperature on survival and infectivity of Steinernema rarum (OLI strain) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae).

Nematode strains of the entomopathogenic family Steinernematidae differ in their ability to infect insects at different temperatures. Survival and infectivity of infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema rarum (OLI) were studied after their storage at 23+/-2 degrees C and at 5+/-1 degrees C. Survival at 23+/-2 degrees C was always above 95%. At 5+/-1 degrees C, survival decreased at week 5, but infectivity did the same after week 2. Unlike other steinernematids, both infectivity and survival of IJs would be higher for S. rarum (OLI) when stored at 23+/-2 degrees C.

Steinernema glaseri Santa Rosa strain (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora CCA Strain (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) as biological control agents of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

The present study was carried out to evaluate the action of Steinernema glaseri Santa Rosa strain and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora CCA strain as biological control agents of Boophilus microplus. Engorged females ticks were distributed on Petri dishes containing different concentrations of infective juvenile (IJ) nematodes (0, 375, 500, 750, 1,500, 2,500, 5,000 and 25,000). The data showed a reduction of approximately 90% in the eggs laid at a concentration of 5,000 S. glaseri IJs and approximately 80% at a concentration of 1,500 H. bacteriophora IJs. The female mortality increased linearly with the increase in S. glaseri concentrations. However, in the tests with H. bacteriophora this linearity was not observed. The effectiveness of the treatment with both species of entomopathogenic nematodes was compatible with other control methods. The results show the potential of S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora as biological control agents for the control of B. microplus under laboratory conditions.

Susceptibility of Mocis latipes (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae).

The susceptibility of larvae, prepupae, and pupae of the grass looper Mocis latipes (Guenée) to the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) NC strain was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 120 nematodes per larva, applied in 1 ml of sterile-distilled water, were bioassayed, applying them to groups of 20 individuals of each instar, prepupa or pupa. Mortality was recorded daily for 5 d. All instars and the prepupal stage were the most susceptible to H. bacteriophora. Mortality ranged from 22.5 to 100%. Prepupae had 97.5-100% mortality starting at 10 nematodes per prepupa. Pupal mortality ranged from 27.5 to 41.3% as nematode concentration was increased. H. bacteriophora presented LC50 values that ranged between 5.26 and 37.66 nematodes per larva and LT50 values that ranged between 1.5 and 4.3 d. Results of this study suggest that H. bacteriophora has potential as a biocontrol agent against M. latipes.