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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415069
Research Project: Novel Approaches for Managing Key Pests of Peach and Pecan

Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research

Title: Enhanced Pecan Weevil Management in Orchards using Beneficial Nematodes with Pheromones

Author
item PERIER, JERMAINE - University Of Georgia
item KAPLAN, FATMA - Pheronym, Inc
item TOEWS, MICHEAL - University Of Georgia
item Shapiro Ilan, David

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/10/2024
Publication Date: 6/30/2024
Citation: Perier, J.D., Kaplan, F., Toews, M.D., Shapiro Ilan, D.I. 2024. Enhanced Pecan Weevil Management in Orchards using Beneficial Nematodes with Pheromones. Pecan Grower. XXXVI,3/16-26.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Improving the consistency of pest management approaches often requires field testing to confirm applicability in a variety of conditions. Beneficial nematodes offer good management of the soil-dwelling life stages of the pecan weevil. Exposing these beneficial nematodes to specialized pheromones increases their performance and consistency as previously demonstrated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Here, we report on the success of pheromones in improving the efficacy of a beneficial nematode species, Steinernema feltiae (SN strain), under field conditions that would typically challenge the use of nematodes as biological control agents. This study highlights the enhanced potential of using beneficial nematodes with pheromones in field conditions to reduce reliance on conventional management methods for pests like the pecan weevil, translating into more environmentally friendly practices.