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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #195648
Title: CONTROL OF PESTS IN PECAN AND PEACH USING ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES: CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item Cottrell, Ted

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2006
Publication Date: 6/15/2006
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Cottrell, T.E. 2006. Control of pests in pecan and peach using entomopathogenic nematodes: challenges and successes [abstract]. Journal of Nematology. 38:292.

Interpretive Summary: Pecan and peach orchards may offer a suitable environment for using entomopathogenic (insect-killing) nematodes to control key insect pests such as pecan weevil, plum curculio, peachtree borer, and lesser peachtree borer. For example, high levels of field suppression have been observed for larvae of plum curculio (>90% control), and peachtree borer (87% control), whereas field suppression of adult pecan weevil has been variable (50-80% control). Depending on the target insect and commodity, key barriers for adopting entomopathogenic nematode technology within grower systems include economics and competitiveness with other control strategies, efficacy, and environmental persistence. Nematode strain improvement and improved application or formulation methods may enhance efficacy. Application of nematode infected-hosts for peachtree borer, and formulations that prevent rapid desiccation for lesser peachtree borer may improve control of these pests. Some of these strategies for improving pest suppression should be applicable to other systems.

Technical Abstract: Pecan and peach orchards may offer a suitable environment for using entomopathogenic nematodes to control key insect pests such as pecan weevil (Curculio caryae), plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar), peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa), and lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes). For example, high levels of field suppression have been observed for larvae of plum curculio (>90% control), and peachtree borer (87% control), whereas field suppression of adult pecan weevil has been variable (50-80% control). Depending on the target insect and commodity, key barriers for adopting entomopathogenic nematode technology within grower systems include economics and competitiveness with other control strategies, efficacy, and environmental persistence. Nematode strain improvement and improved application or formulation methods may enhance efficacy. Hybridized strains have shown improved efficacy for pecan weevil in the laboratory and are being incorporated into field studies. Application of nematode infected-hosts for peachtree borer, and formulations that prevent rapid desiccation for lesser peachtree borer may improve control of these pests.