The effect of different growing substrates on the development and quality of Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)

Abstract

The effect of different growing substrates on the development of the slug parasite Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita has been studied in a series of laboratory experiments. Wild, laboratory and Nemaslug strains of P. hermaphrodita and their monoxenic counterparts with Moraxella osloensis (CCM 5605T) were reared on homogenised pig kidney, Deroceras reticulatum, Arion lusitanicus, and Galleria mellonella, the faeces of D. reticulatum and A. lusitanicus, or leaf compost. Development time, yield, lipid reserves and the body length of nematodes were assessed. All P. hermaphrodita strains were able to grow and reproduce on all tested substrates; however, yields were markedly higher on invertebrate media. Lipid content and body size varied across the substrates and strains. A uniform response of all nematode strains and the most dramatic differences among substrates were recorded in yields, which could indicate that the quality of the substrate is expressed mainly in yield. Monoxenized strains had higher yield, length, lipid content and shorter development time. In general, the strain differences between the observed parameters were most likely due to different bacterial associates. The dramatic differences in yields on invertebrate substrates, in comparison to the others, illustrate the evolutionary advantage of the association of nematodes with invertebrates.

Keywords:

• slug parasitic nematodes
• lipid reserves
• progeny production
• development time

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Mrs Lenka Kropáčková for her assistance.

Funding

This research was supported by Czech Science Foundation, project: GAČR P504/12/2352.

Additional information

Funding

Funding: This research was supported by Czech Science Foundation, project: GAČR P504/12/2352.