Russian Journal of Nematology (1997) 5, 55-65

J.S. Miduturi, L. Waeyenberge and M. Moens (1997)
Natural distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) in Belgian soils
Russian Journal of Nematology 5 (1), 55-65
Abstract: In eight provinces of Belgium, 248 soil samples were collected in 72 ecologically diverse habitats to isolate indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes (epns). Using the Galleria larva bait technique, 21 soil samples were found positive for epns. The morphometric study of infective juveniles (IJs) classified 20 populations as Steinernema spp., and one population as Heterorhabditis sp. Further biochemical characterization differentiated eight Steinernema feltiae A1 type, eight S. affinis, four Steinernema sp. B3 and one Heterorhabditis megidis (northwest European type). The entomopathogenic nematodes were recovered from 38.1%, 28.5%, 23.8% and 9.6% of the samples taken in woodland, roadside verges, cultivated land and grassland respectively. Steinernema feltiae A1 type was isolated in all the habitats except in roadside verges, whereas, S. affinis was not found in cultivated land. Steinernema sp. B3 was isolated from cultivated fields and roadside verges; H. megidis from grassland. Steinernema feltiae was prevalent in sand to loamy sand soils with a wide range of organic matter content. Steinernema affinis was recovered in sand and sandy clay loam soils. Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinernema sp. B3 were isolated in sandy loam and loam soils with organic matter content of 5.6% and 7.5% respectively. All isolates were found in soils with a pH range of 3.6-7.8. However, most of the S.feltiae populations were isolated in acidic soils.
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
surveys/distribution/isolation
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii (entomopathogen)			Belgium
Heterorhabditis megidis/Photorhabdus temperata (entomopathogen)			Belgium
Steinernema affine (entomopathogen)			Belgium