Evaluation of three entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae) for the control of the mediterranean climbing cutworm spodoptera littoralis under laboratory and greenhouse conditions [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The virulence and invading efficiencyof three Steinernema nematode species on the last larval instar of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) as well as, average number of damaged leaves and consumed leaf area were investigated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The results proved that the indigenous, Mediterranean species. Steinernema. apuliae, at 500and 1500 IJs/pot was the most virulent species in . laboratory and greenhouse experiments respectively. It also showed significantly higher invading efficiency than did other nematode species. except that when used at a high concentration of 2700 IJs./pot. In green house. in the greenhouse. The numbers of adult nematodes found in the cadavers of S. fittoralis larvae were significantly different among nematode species at 500 IJs/dish in the laboratory and 1500 IJs/pot concentration in the greenhouse. The number of adult females found in the cadavers of this insect larvae was always higher than the number of males. Foliage application of S. apuliae resulted in a significant reduction in the number of damaged leaves and revealed a lower index of damage as compared with that in the control As conciusion, S. apuliae has significant the capability of controlling potentiality in the management of the Mediterranean climbing cutworm S./ifforalis in Egyptian and European greenhouses.

Summary in Arabic.

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