BioControl (2008) 53, 643-650

Fernando García del Pino and Ana Morton (2008)
Efficacy of Steinernema feltiae against the leek moth Acrolepiopsis assectella in laboratory and field conditions
BioControl 53 (4), 643-650
Abstract: The susceptibility of larvae of the leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae) to different concentrations of an autochthonous strain of Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) was examined in laboratory experiments using Petri dishes. The efficacy of this strain in pots and field experiments was also evaluated. High mortality (80%-100%) of leek moth larvae was observed when these larvae were exposed to low concentrations (3 × 10³ to 1 × 10⁴ IJs/m²) of S. feltiae under laboratory conditions. Foliar application of 30,000 IJs/leek in pot experiments caused a 98% reduction in leek moth larvae. Field experiments showed a 87.7% reduction of leek moth larvae with the nematode treatment, significantly higher than the 22% reduction with the Bacillus thuringiensis treatment. The efficacy of the treatments with S. feltiae in relation to the microhabitat of the leek moth larvae between the interfolded leaves of the leek is discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Fernando Garcia del Pino, Ana Morton

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Acrolepiopsis assectella	Onion/garlic/leek (Allium)
Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii (entomopathogen)	Acrolepiopsis assectella	Onion/garlic/leek (Allium)