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Title: Survey of entomopathogenic nematodes from the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Colima, Mexico

Author
item ZEPEDA-JAZO, ISAAC - Universidad De La Ciénega Del Estado De Michoacán De Ocampo, Trayectoria Genómica Alimentaria
item MOLINA-OCHOA, JAIME - University Of Colima
item LEZAMA-GUTIERREZ, ROBERTO - University Of Colima
item Skoda, Steven
item FOSTER, JOHN - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2013
Publication Date: 3/31/2014
Citation: Zepeda-Jazo, I., Molina-Ochoa, J., Lezama-Gutierrez, R., Skoda, S.R., Foster, J. 2014. Survey of entomopathogenic nematodes from the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Colima, Mexico. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 34(1):53-57.

Interpretive Summary: Several types of nematodes are pathogens (entomopathogenic) that infect a wide range of insects in the laboratory, making it appear that they would be good natural control agents of insect pests. But in the field they infect only soil dwelling insects and a few other soil invertebrates. A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted on the coast of the State of Colima, Mexico, to determine their occurrence, recovery frequency, and the predominant plant species from disturbed, cultivated habitats as well as in undisturbed habitats. Nineteen soil samples were collected from three municipalities; seven were from undisturbed habitats and 12 from disturbed habitats (mostly cultivated fruit crops, grasses and grain crops). Entomopathogenic nematodes were recovered from 14 of the 19 soil samples (73.7%). Thirteen different types of entomopathogenic nematodes were identified; 12 were from the group known as steinernematid (85.7%) and one from the group known as heterorhabditid (7.1%). Nematodes were recovered from all the three municipalities sampled. Only steinernematid nematodes were recovered from all three municipalities; heterorhabditid nematodes were recovered from the municipalities of Armería and Ixtlahuacán. Only steinernematid nematodes were recovered from undisturbed habitats. Most of the nematodes were recovered from disturbed habitats. Our results suggest that entomopathogenic nematodes are very adaptable to cultivated or disturbed soils.

Technical Abstract: A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in the Families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae was conducted on the coast of the State of Colima, Mexico, to determine their occurrence, recovery frequency, and predominant plant species in disturbed and undisturbed habitats. Nineteen soil samples were collected, seven were collected from undisturbed habitats and 12 from disturbed habitats or cultivated areas, mostly with fruit crops, grasses, and grain crops. EPN were recovered from 14 of the 19 soil samples (73.7%). Out of the 14 positive soil samples, 12 steinernematid (85.7%), and one heterorhabditid (7.1%) isolates were recovered from all the three municipalities sampled. EPN from the genus Steinernema were recovered from the three municipalities; meantime, EPN from the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis were recovered from the municipalities of Armeria and Ixtlahuacan. Only steinernematid isolates were recovered from undisturbed habitats. Most of the EPN isolates were recovered from disturbed habitats. Our results suggest that there is a higher incidence and adaptability of EPN in cultivated/disturbed soils.