Journal of Applied Entomology (2008) 132, 632-637

A. Morton and F. García-del-Pino (2008)
Field efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae against the Mediterranean flat-headed rootborer Capnodis tenebrionis
Journal of Applied Entomology 132 (8), 632-637
Abstract: The Mediterranean flat-headed rootborer, Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an economically important pest of stone fruit and seed fruit in Mediterranean areas. The potential control of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (strain Bpa), isolated from a dead C. tenebrionis larva, was tested in a cherry tree orchard in Ullastrell, Barcelona (Spain). Nematode infective juveniles (IJs) were applied by drench and injection. In both the treatments, a rate of 1 million IJs was applied per tree every week during 4 or 8 weeks, with a total dose of 4 × 10⁶ IJs/tree and 8 × 10⁶ IJs/tree. Number, stage and localization of insects in each tree trunk were recorded. In both the experiments, S. feltiae significantly reduced the population of C. tenebrionis providing control ranging from 88.3% to 97%. No significant differences were recorded between the different treatments. Persistence of nematodes was recorded until 6 weeks after application. Results indicate that the application of S. feltiae (Bpa) provides adequate control of C. tenebrionis in cherry trees.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Ana Morton

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Capnodis tenebrionis	Cherry (Prunus avium - Prunus cerasus)	Spain (continental)
Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii (entomopathogen)	Capnodis tenebrionis	Cherry (Prunus avium - Prunus cerasus)	Spain (continental)