Insects (2012) 3, 719-726

Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson, James J. Mathers, Lisa F. Blackburn, Michelle E. Powell, Gay Marris, Stephane Pietravalle, Mike A. Brown and Giles E. Budge (2012)
Screening commercially available entomopathogenic biocontrol agents for the control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in the UK
Insects 3 (3), 719-726
Abstract: The Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is an invasive pest of honey bees. Indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, it has now become established in North America and Australia. It represents a serious threat to European honey bees. Commercially available entomopathogenic agents were screened for their potential to control beetle larvae. Entomopathogenic fungi investigated had minimal impact. The nematodes Steinernema kraussei and S. carpocapsae provided excellent control with 100% mortality of larvae being obtained. Sequential applications of the nematodes following larvae entering sand to pupate also provided excellent control for up to 3 weeks. The information gained supports the development of contingency plans to deal with A. tumida should it occur in the UK, and is relevant to the management of Small hive beetle where it is already present.
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Database assignments for author(s): Andrew G.S. Cuthbertson

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aethina tumida		United Kingdom
Steinernema carpocapsae/Xenorhabdus nematophila (entomopathogen)	Aethina tumida
Steinernema kraussei (entomopathogen)	Aethina tumida