Journal of Applied Entomology (2014) 138, 635-643

J. Lordan, S. Alegre, G. Alins, M.J. Sarasúa, A. Morton and F. García del Pino (2014)
Compatibility between Forficula auricularia and entomopathogenic nematodes to be used in pome fruit pest management
Journal of Applied Entomology 138 (9), 635-643
Abstract: Use of predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens as biocontrol agents in pome fruit production can lead to more efficient and sustainable pest management programmes. The European earwig (Forficula auricularia Linnaeus [Dermaptera: Forficulidae]) is a major predator of key pests in pome fruit orchards, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are obligate parasites of a large number of insect species. Therefore, the interaction between earwigs and EPNs can play an important role in pest management programmes. Susceptibility of the European earwig to Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae (Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Heterorhabditidae) was evaluated. S. carpocapsae was the only tested EPN capable of killing the European earwig. However, the European earwig can detect the presence of S. carpocapsae and therefore avoid nematode-treated shelters. An earwig deterrent activity in EPN-killed codling moth larvae that reduces the foraging of European earwig on insect cadavers containing nematodes and allows nematodes to complete their life cycle was also assessed with the three species of nematodes. These findings suggest a positive compatibility between the European earwig and EPNs.
(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): Ana Morton

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Steinernema carpocapsae/Xenorhabdus nematophila (entomopathogen)
Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii (entomopathogen)
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora/Photorhabdus (entomopathogen)
Forficula auricularia (predator)