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Title: Discovery and virulence-screening of native nematodes in Wisconsin cranberries

Author
item FOYE, SHANE - University Of Wisconsin
item Steffan, Shawn

Submitted to: Wisconsin Cranberry School
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2016
Publication Date: 1/21/2016
Citation: Foye, S., Steffan, S.A. 2016. Discovery and virulence-screening of native nematodes in Wisconsin cranberries. Wisconsin Cranberry School. Paper No. 10.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Three newly discovered entomopathogenic nematodes have been recovered from wild Wisconsin cranberry marshes. All three nematode strains have been shown to attack Sparganothis Fruitworm (SFW), and all seem similar in their virulence (ability to kill the host). Only one nematode line, however, has been shown to be virulent against the cranberry fruitworm (CFW). Based on preliminary trials, this nematode line is quite virulent against both SFW and CFW, killing over half the larval hosts within just three days of treatment, at doses less concentrated than typical nematode applications. At higher doses and longer host exposure-periods, host mortality rises dramatically. It remains to be seen whether or not these 3 nematode strains will be an effective bio-control agent for SFW and/or CFW in the field, but given that the nematodes in our trial had to search out their prey before killing them, there is reason to be optimistic.