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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #148454
Title: A COMPARISON OF BENEFICIAL TRAITS AMONG STRAINS OF STEINERNEMA CARPOCAPSAE

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item STUART, R - UNIV. OF FLORIDA
item MCCOY, C - UNIV. OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2003
Publication Date: 10/1/2003
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Stuart, R., Mccoy, C.W. 2003. A comparison of beneficial traits among strains of steinernema carpocapsae. Journal of Nematology. v.35:Abstract p.363.

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Our objective was to compare beneficial traits among strains of Steinernema carpocapsae to identify or develop a superior biocontrol candidate for suppression of the pecan weevil, Curculio caryae. Virulence, environmental tolerance to heat and desiccation, and reproductive capacity were compared among eight strains. Fitness (in vitro growth) of the symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus nematophila isolated from six of the nematode strains, was also compared. Significant differences were detected among nematode and bacteria strains for each trait. All nematode strains were more virulent to C. caryae adults than to larvae. No single S. carpocapsae strain was superior for all beneficial traits measured. Based on a novel beneficial trait ranking system, Breton, DD136, Italian, and Kapow strains were graded inferior to other strains. Agriotos, All, and Sal strains were superior when desiccation was a factor. When desiccation tolerance was removed as a factor, the Mexican strain also tended to fall into the superior rankings.