Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2008) 129, 340-347
M.A. Ansari, F.A. Shah and T.M. Butt (2008)
Combined use of entomopathogenic nematodes and Metarhizium anisopliae as a new approach for black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, control
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 129 (3), 340-347
Abstract: Combined use of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Heterorhabditidae), Steinernema feltiae Bovien, and Steinernema kraussei Steiner (Steinernematidae) and the insect-pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae) was evaluated for control of third-instar black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Black vine weevil larvae were exposed to various concentrations of M. anisopliae and EPNs and mortality was assessed weekly or at 3-day intervals under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The EPNs were added simultaneously, or 1 or 2 weeks after application of M. anisopliae. Throughout the experiments, the combined application of EPNs with M. anisopliae resulted in increased efficacy against black vine weevil. When the EPNs were applied 1 or 2 weeks after application of the fungus, 100% larval mortality was obtained, even when the biocontrol agents were used at reduced rates. The interactions observed suggest that EPN and M. anisopliae work together synergistically in potted Euonymus fortunei Blondy (Celastraceae) under greenhouse conditions and may provide a powerful and economically feasible approach for black vine weevil larval control.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Tariq M. Butt
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology
