Evaluation of steinernema sp. SA a native isolate from Saudi Arabia for controlling adults of the red palm weevil. rhynchophorus ferrugineus (oliver) [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Steinernema sp. SA a native isolate of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was extracted for the first time from naturally infected adult of the red palm weevil (RPW) in Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia. The role of the native isolate in the biological control of RPW adults was evaluated. Laboratory bioassay studies showed high virulence of the nematode to adults of the RPW. Half lethal concentration (LC50) after 3 days was 2077 infective juveniles (IJs)/rnl and the halflethal time (LT50) - using the concentration 500 IJ/ml- was 1.95 days. In the Semi-field evaluation Steinernema sp SA caused over 97% mortality in adults of the RPW in date palm trees under screen cages. The nematode propagated successfully in all infected insects. In the field, the nematode was sprayed on the basal parts of palm trunks and soil around them. A single spray of 2xl06 infective juveniles (IJs)/tree caused 37.16% reduction in RPW population in date palm farms after one week of application. However, the effect was reduced to 34.75% in the following week.

Summary in Arabic.

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