Contributions to the study of entomopathogenic nematodes against pests of agricultural and health importance in Argentina

ELICECHE ET AL; DIEGO SAUKA

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Congreso; Celebrating 100 Years of the 1st EPN discovery; 2024

The results of the research about entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae andHeterorhabditidae) carried out by members of the laboratory of free-living and agroeconomic importance nematodes (CEPAVE) are summarized. The studies were mainly developed in the humidPampa, one of the major agricultural areas of Argentina and were focus on biology and taxonomy of nematodes, factors affecting parasitism and evaluation of pathogenesis against agricultural andhealth insect pests at laboratory and field conditions. Mortality greater than 80% (depending onconcentrations) were reached against coleoptera larvae (Phyrdenus muriceus, Lobiopa insularis,Diloboderus abderus), lepidoptera larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda, Hylesia nigricans) and orthopteralarvae (Anurogryllus muticus, Neocurtilla claraziana). In addition, mortality was observed in Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea: Isopoda) a soybean crop pest under no-tillage systems, although at high doses. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora SUP isolated from this region was effective at field to control the weevil Phyrdenus muriceus (Curculionidae) an emergent pest of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). A slight reduction of P. muriceus populations, was evidenced after a second application by a decrease of the foliar damage in the eggplant crops. Adults of P. muriceus parasitized by H. bacteriophora were observed in the field one month after the second application. This constituted the first report of infectivity by EPNs in these weevils. Results of the nematicide effect in the digestive tract of the bacteriophagous nematode Panagrellus redivivus (Rhabditidae: Panagrolaimidae) caused by the intake of Photorhabdus laumondi laumondi (strain LP1900) are also presented. The use of EPNs in bioinsecticide baits for the control of insect vectors of medical importance as kissing bugs is currently developed within the framework of a START-UP project and progress will be shown.