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Title: Effects of a novel entomopathogenic nematode-infected host formulation on cadaver integrity, nematode yield, and suppression of Diaprepes abbreviatus and Aethina tumida under controlled conditions

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item Morales Ramos, Juan
item Rojas, Maria - Guadalupe
item TEDDERS, WALKER - Southeastern Insectaries, Inc

Submitted to: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2009
Publication Date: 1/15/2010
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Morales Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G., Tedders, W.L. 2010. Effects of a novel entomopathogenic nematode-infected host formulation on cadaver integrity, nematode yield, and suppression of Diaprepes abbreviatus and Aethina tumida under controlled conditions. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 103:103-108.

Interpretive Summary: Entomopathogenic nematodes are natural environmentally bio-insecticides. These nematodes are generally applied as in aqueous suspension. An alternative approach is the application of nematodes in their infected insect hosts, i.e., the dead insects that are carrying the nematodes. Pest suppression is then achieved by the nematode progeny that emerge from the insect cadavers. Protection of the infected host from rupturing upon application may be necessary to facilitate application. In this study we developed a new method of formulating the infected hosts, i.e., enclosing the infected host in masking tape. Mealworm cadavers infected with nematodes were wrapped in masking tape using an automatic packaging machine; the machine was developed to reduce labor in the formulation process and to standardize the final product. Pest control efficacy was then demonstrated using the tape formulation to control two insect pests: the diaprepes root weevil and the small hive beetle. High levels of pest suppression were observed and the tape formulation proved to be feasible.

Technical Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes are generally applied as infective juveniles in aqueous suspension. An alternative approach is the application of nematodes in their infected insect hosts. Protection of the infected host from rupturing upon application may be necessary to facilitate application. In this study our objective was to test the potential of a new method of formulating the infected hosts, i.e., enclosing the infected host in masking tape. Tenebrio molitor cadavers infected with Heterorhabditis indica were wrapped in masking tape using an automatic packaging machine. Pest control efficacy was then estimated using infected hosts with and without the tape covering; the experiments targeted the diaprepes root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus and the small hive beetle. In all experiments, both the tape and no-tape treatments caused significant reductions in insect survival relative to the control, and no differences were detected between the nematode treatments. Additionally, experiments indicated that infective juvenile yield is not affected by the tape formulation. These results indicate potential for using the tape-formulation approach for applying nematode infected hosts.