Journal of Nematology (2004) 36, p. 354 (Yoder et al.)
Corrie Yoder and Parwinder S. Grewal (2004)
Evasive behavior of white grub species against entomopathogenic nematodes
Journal of Nematology 36 (3), 354-354
paper presented at the Society of Nematologists 43rd Annual Meeting, Estes Park, Colorado 7-11 August 2004
Abstract: Emphasis on biological alternatives to pesticides has, increased in agriculture due to concern about environmental pollution. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are used as biological control agents for soil dwelling insects with varying success. We hypothesized that grub species differ in their defensive and evasive behaviors, thus altering their ability to resist EPN attack. We evaluated the evasive behavior of Rhizotrogus majalis (EC), Popillia japonica (JB), Cyclocephala borealis (NMC), Exomala orientalis (OB), Phyllophaga sp. (JUB), Maladera castanea (AGB), and Macrodactylus subspinosus (RC) against Steinernema scarabaei, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (GPS 11), and H. zealandica (X 1) under laboratory conditions in soil chambers. Grub movement after the addition of EPNs was marked directly on the chambers every 20 minutes for 2 hours. Grubs were then removed from the chambers and their subsequent mortality was recorded after 5 days. Mean distance traveled per 20-min increment, total distance in 2 hours, and percent larval mortality was quantified for each treatment. Behavioral responses varied by grub and nematode species and more resistant grub species did not always move the most. In some cases, a more generalized response was observed across treatments. Further tests will focus on aggressive behaviors that aid larvae in their defense against nematodes and will isolate stimuli detectable by grubs.
Database assignments for author(s): Parwinder S. Grewal
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host
