Capacity of the terrestrial entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema rarum (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) to parasite Culex apicinus larvae (Diptera: Culicidae).

CAGNOLO SUSANA; ALMIRÁN, WALTER R.

REVISTA DE LA SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLóGICA ARGENTINA

SOCIEDAD ENTOMOLÓGICA ARGENTINA

Lugar: Mendoza; Año: 2010 vol. 69 p. 141 - 145

0373-5680

Entomopathogenic nematodes can be considered effective agents for biocontrol of pest insects, resulting innocuous for humans. Larvae of Culex apicinus Philippi were exposed to infective juveniles of Steinernema rarum (OLI strain) under laboratory conditions, testing six doses (1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 100:1, 400:1). An increasing percentage of mosquito larvae mortality was recorded with an increased dose. The highest percentage of mosquito larvae mortality (75%) was obtained with the dose 400:1. This is the first report of parasitism of an isolated of S. rarum from Córdoba against larvae of C. apicinus, with promising results. Therefore, further studies must be carried out to determine if these nematodes would be effective as autochthonous agents for the control of Culex Linnaeus and other mosquitoes of sanitary interest in the country.