Journal of Nematology (2007) 39, 78-79

J. Gress and S. Stock (2007)
Nematodes against nematodes: Assessing entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) for the control of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Tylenchulidae) in Arizona
Journal of Nematology 39 (1), 78-79
Abstract - Society of Nematologists 46th Annual Meeting San Diego, California July 28-August 1, 2007
Abstract: At present, 90% of citrus grown in Arizona are infected by the citrus nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans. However, given the current lack of successful control measures and the increasing awareness of the detrimental health and environmental effects due to chemical pesticides, new alternatives are deeply needed for management of this nematode. In this respect, one of the choices for substitution of chemical nematicides is the consideration of biological control agents such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). In this study, two commercially available EPN, Steinernema riobrave (Biovector) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Nemasys) were assessed for their efficacy against the citrus nematode in laboratory assays. Two-month-old rough lemon seedlings were grown in cone-tainers, at 25°C and 30% humidity. Tylenchulus semipenetrans-infected seedlings were inoculated at a concentration of 12,000 J2/seedling. Citrus nematode (J2) root-penetration rate and female egg production were assessed in relation to: 1) EPN application time (i.e., simultaneous [EPN simultaneously applied with citrus nematode], after [EPN applied after citrus nematode establishment in the citrus seedlings]), and 2) EPN application method (i.e., aqueous suspension, EPN-infected cadavers). A completely randomized design with two replications (12 citrus-seedlings/treatment) for each evaluated parameter was considered. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results from these studies will be presented and discussed. Assessment of this information is critical for understanding EPN-citrus nematode interactions and in making predictions of the various impacts of EPN application for the control of this nematode.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): S. Patricia Stock

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.
	Tylenchulus semipenetrans	Citrus (genus)	U.S.A. (SW)