Enhanced biological control potential of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, applied with a protective gel formulation

ABSTRACT

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are adapted to subterranean environments, and are prone to damage by UV light and desiccation. EPNs, Steinernema carpocapsae, combined with a protective gel, and anti-UV ingredients, have potential for above-ground pest management. We (1) ascertained whether the gel could provide protection to EPNs at low concentrations when applied in direct sun, (2) determined if other ingredients added to the gel increased efficacy, and (3) quantified retention and survival of EPNs applied to foliage with the gel. EPNs in 1% protective gel caused higher host mortality (60%) than other treatments (2–37%). UV protection provided by titanium dioxide (TD) and octyl methoxycinnamate with 1% protective gel solution was tested outdoors; these formulations resulted in higher host mortality (43% and 25%) than other treatments (2–7%). After 8 h in the greenhouse, 0.25% protective gel solution had the highest percentage of live EPNs on leaves. The gel at low concentration protects EPNs, and addition of TD enhanced the protective properties of the formulation. It is important to continually improve options for different growing systems and insect pest behaviour. TD added to a low-concentration formulation of the protective gel makes this application technique more viable for growers to use.

KEYWORDS:

• Entomopathogenic nematode
• application
• above ground
• desiccation
• Steinernema carpocapsae

Acknowledgements

We thank Stacy Byrd for technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture-SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Grant No. LS11-241 to DS.