Entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological control of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae for controlling alfalfa weevil Application of Heterorhabditis indica and S. carpocapase at the rate 1 billion nematodes per hectare can reduce 72 and 50% population of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica grubs, respectively.  Another entomopathogenic nematode, Steinemema thermophillum was also effective in killing H. postica grubs (Shah et al., 2011).

Read following paper for information on the effect of entomopathogenic nematodes on alfalfa weevil

Shah, N.K., Azmi, M.I. and Tyagi, P.K. 2011. Pathogenicity of Rhabditid nematodes (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) to the grubs of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Range Management and Agroforestry 32: 64-67.

First record of entomopathogenic nematodes in Labanon /  by Ganpati Jagdale

A presence of entomopathogenic nematode species including Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae has been reported for the first time in Lebanon (Noujeim et al., 2011). Read following paper for survey methods

Noujeim, E., Khater, C., Pages, S., Ogier, J.C., Tailliez, P., Hamze, M. and Thaler, O. 2011. The first record of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabiditiae: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in natural ecosystems in Lebanon: A biogeographic approach in the Mediterranean region. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 107: 82-85.

Entomopathogenic nematodes can be delivered through infected insect cadavers in commercial growing media /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Recently, Deol et al. (2011) demonstrated that entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae, can be delivered via infected Galleria mellonella or Tenebrio molitor cadavers in the Scotts commercial growing medium, Miracle-Gro (R). Read following papers for more information on delivery of entomopathogenic nematodes using nematode infected cadavers

Ansari, M.A., Hussain, M. and Moens, M. 2009.  Formulation and application of entomopathogenic nematode-infected cadavers for control of Hoplia philanthus in turf grass. Pest Management Science. 65: 367-374.

Bruck, D.J., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. and Lewis, E.E. 2005.   Evaluation of application technologies of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of the black vine weevil.  Journal of Economic Entomology 98: 1884-1889.

Deol, Y.S., Jagdale, G.B., Canas, L. and Grewal, P.S. 2011. Delivery of entomopathogenic nematodes directly through commercial growing media via the inclusion of infected host cadavers: A novel. Biological Control 58: 60-67.

Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., Morales-Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G. and Tedders, W.L. 2010.  Effects of a novel entomopathogenic nematode-infected host formulation on cadaver integrity, nematode yield, and suppression of Diaprepes abbreviatus and Aethina tumida. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 103: 103-108.

Spence, K.O., Stevens, G.N., Arimoto, H., Ruiz-Vega, J.,   Kaya, H.K. and Lewis, E.E. 2011.   Effect of insect cadaver desiccation and soil water potential during rehydration on entomopathogenic nematode (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) production and virulence. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 106: 268-273.

Spence, K.O., Stevens, G.N., Arimoto, H., Ruiz-Vega, J., Kaya, H.K. and Lewis, E.E. 2011.  Effect of insect cadaver desiccation and soil water potential during rehydration on entomopathogenic nematode (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) production and virulence. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 106: 268-273.

Antimicrobial activities of symbiotic bacteria of entomopathogenic nematodes /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacteria and antimicrobial activity The compounds produced by entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus bovienii have showed antimicrtobial activity against two fungus species including Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora capsici (Fang et al., 2011).  Both of these fungi causes diseases to many plant species.

Publications on antimicrobial activity of entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacteria.

  1. Fang, X. L., Feng, J. T., Zhang, W. G., Wang, Y. H. and Zhang, X. 2010. Optimization of growth medium and fermentation conditions for improved antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus nematophila TB using a statistical approach.  African Journal of Biotechnology 9: 8068-8077.
  2. Fang, X.L., Li, Z.Z., Wang, Y.H. and Zhang, X. 2011.   In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of Xenorhabdus bovienii YL002 against Phytophthora capsici and Botrytis cinerea. Journal of Applied Microbiology 111: 145-154.
  3. Furgani, G., Boeszoermenyi, E., Fodor, A., Mathe-Fodor, A., Forst, S., Hogan, J.S., Katona, Z.,  Klein, M.G., Stackebrandt, E., Szentirmai, A., Sztaricskai, F. and Wolf, S. L. 2008.  Xenorhabdus antibiotics: a comparative analysis and potential utility for controlling mastitis caused by bacteria.  Journal of Applied Microbiology 104: 745-758.
  4. Isaacson, P.J. and Webster, J.M. 2002.  Antimicrobial activity of Xenorhabus sp RIO (Enterobacteriaceae), symbiont of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema riobrave (Rhabditida : Steinernematidae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 79: 146-153.
  5. Wang, Y.H., Fang, X.L., Li, Y.P. and Zhang, X. 2010.  Effects of constant and shifting dissolved oxygen concentration on the growth and antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus nematophila. Bioresource Technology 101: 7529-7536.
  6. Wang, Y.H., Feng, J.T., Zhang, Q. and Zhang, X. 2008.  Optimization of fermentation condition for antibiotic production by Xenorhabdus nematophila with response surface methodology. Journal of Applied Microbiology 104s: 735-744.
  7. Yang, X.F., Qiu, D.W., Yang, H.W., Liu, Z., Zeng, H.M. and Yuan, J.J. 2011.  Antifungal activity of xenocoumacin 1 from Xenorhabdus nematophilus var. pekingensis against Phytophthora infestans. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 27: 523-528.

Use an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora to control long-horned beetle, Dorcadion pseudopreissi infesting turf. /  by Ganpati Jagdale

The application of an entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora at the rate of 0.5 million infective juveniles per square meter can significantly reduce the population of Dorcadion pseudopreissi infesting turf grass (Lolium perenne) in the field (Susurluk et al. (2011). Read following papers for more information.

Susurluk, I.A., Kumral, N.A., Bilgili, U. and Acikgoz, E. 2011. Control of a new turf pest, Dorcadion pseudopreissi (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), with the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Journal of Pest Science 84: 321-326.

Susurluk, I.A., Kumral, N.A., Peters, A., Bilgili, U. and Acikgoz, E. 2009.  Pathogenicity, reproduction and foraging behaviours of some entomopathogenic nematodes on a new turf pest, Dorcadion pseudopreissi (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 19: 585-594.

Entomopathogenic nematodes symposia at 50th Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists held in Corvallis, Oregon (July 17-20, 2011) /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Four symposia on entomopathogenic nematodes were organized by Drs. Ganpati B. Jagdale, Raquel Campos-Herrera, Claudia Dolinski, David I. Shapiro-Ilan and Parwinder S. Grewal at 50th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists which was held at the Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon from July 17 to July 20, 2011. A total of 22 invited speakers shared their research and extension experience in the field of Entomopathogenic Nematology.  Following is a list of topics covered by various speakers in each symposium.

SYMPOSIUM I: Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Model Systems in Ecology

Convener: Raquel Campos-Herrera.

Poinar, G.O.Jr. 2011.  Legacy of entomopathogenic nematology: The early Years (1930-1990).

Barbercheck, M. 2011.  Peering into the black box: building an understanding of the population biology of entomopathogenic nematodes.

Stock, P. 2011.  Entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial Symbionts: how many, where and how?

Griffin, C. 2011.  Behavioural ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes: Past, present and future.

Hoy, C.W. and Grewal, P.S. 2011.  Entomopathogenic nematode ecological modeling, from frontiers of Ecology to the future of agriculture.

Gaur, H. 2011.  The impact of climate change on plant-parasitic nematodes.

SYMPOSIUM II: Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Model Systems in Stress Physiology and Evolutionary Biology

Conveners: Ganpati B. Jagdale and Parwinder S. Grewal

Grewal, P.S. 2011. Entomopathogenic nematology since the 1990’s: the openings of a new era.

Itamar Glazer, I. 2011.  How to manage daily stresses: the entomopathogenic nematode perspective.

Perry, R. N. and Ehlers, R.-U.  2011. Enhancing survival attributes of entomopathogenic Nematodes.

Adler R. Dillman, A.R., Mortazavi, A. and Sternberg, P.W. 2011. Genomic analysis of steinernema: informing functional Biology and Ecology.

Sternberg, P.W. and Xiaodong Bai, X. 2011. Genome sequencing and beyond.

SYMPOSIUM III: Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Model Systems: Contributions to Symbiosis

Convener: Raquel Campos-Herrera

Somvanshi,V.S., Sloup, R. E., Crawford, J.M., Martin, A. R., Heidt, A.J., Clardy, J.C. and Ciche, T.A. 2011. How Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora handle their insect pathogenic symbionts.

Goodrich-Blair, H. and Forst, S. 2011. Understanding microbial symbiosis using the association between Xenorhabdus bacteria and Steinernema nematodes.

Clarke, D.J. 2011. The regulation of symbiosis in Photorhabdus.

An, R. and P.S. Grewal, P.S. 2011. In-vivo gene expression reveals differences in molecular features used by Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus for virulence and symbiosis.

ffrench-Constant, R.H., Wilkinson, P. and Dowling, A.J. 2011. The worm that turned: bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes as a potent source of novel bacterial toxins.

SYMPOSIUM IV: Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents in Sustainable Agriculture.

Convener: Claudia Dolinski

Georgis, R. 2011.  Commercialization of entomopathogenic nematodes: an insider’s perspective.

Lacey, L.A. and Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2011.  Successes with entomopathogenic nematodes for control of insect pests above and below ground.

Han, R. 2011.  Production technology and field application of entomopathogenic nematodes in china.

Shapiro-Ilan, D. I. and Dolinski, C. 2011.  Application technology for entomopathogenic nematodes.

Ganguly, S. and Dolinski, C. 2011.  New advances in entomopathogenic nematodes around the world.

Duncan, L. 2011.  Grower acceptance of entomopathogenic nematodes in Florida.

Please see the official program booklet of the Society of Nematologists for the abstracts of individual talks.

Volatiles released by plant roots upon injuries caused by insect pests can serve as attractants for entomopathogenic nematodes /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Recently, Hiltpold et al. (2011) studied the relationship between synthesis and release of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (E beta C) in maize roots upon feeding by larvae of the Western corn root worm,  Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and attraction of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis. These researchers reported that nematodes were attracted to the maize roots that were injured by D. virgifera virgifera. Read following papers for more information.

Ali, J.G., Alborn, H.T. and Stelinski, L.L. 2011. Constitutive and induced subterranean plant volatiles attract both entomopathogenic and plant parasitic nematodes. Journal of Ecology 99: 26-35.

Hiltpold, I., Erb, M., Robert, C.A.M. and Turlings, T.C.J. 2011.  Systemic root signalling in a belowground, volatile-mediated tritrophic interaction. Plant cell and Environment 34: 1267-1275.

Hiltpold, I., Baroni, M., Toepfer, S., Kuhlmann, U. and Turlings, T.C.J. 2010.  Selection of entomopathogenic nematodes for enhanced responsiveness to a volatile root signal helps to control a major root pest. Journal of Experimental Biology 213: 2417-2423.

Hiltpold, I., Toepfer, S., Kuhlmann, U. and Turlings, T.C.J. 2010.  How maize root volatiles affect the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in controlling the western corn rootworm? Chemoecology. 20: 155-162.

Mass production of Steinernema carpocapsae /  by Ganpati Jagdale

The mass production of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae can be improved by promoting the mating process among the first generation adult nematodes (Chavarria-Hernandez et al., 2011). Read following papers for detail information on the entomopathogenic nematode mass production techniques.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N. and de la Torre, M. 2001.  Population growth kinetics of the nematode, Steinernema feltiae, in submerged monoxenic culture. Biotechnology Letters 23: 311-315.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Espino-Garcia, J.J., Sanjuan-Galindo, R. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I. 2006.  Monoxenic liquid culture of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae using a culture medium containing whey kinetics and modeling. Journal of Biotechnology 125: 75-84.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Islas-Lopez, M.A., Maciel-Vergara, G., Gayosso-Canales, M. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I. 2008.  Kinetics of infective juvenile production of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae in submerged monoxenic culture.  Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering 31: 419-426.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Islas-Lopez, M.A., Maciel-Vergara, G., Pastrana, B.R.R. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I.  2008.  Effects of culture media on the kinetics of infective juvenile production of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, in submerged monoxenic culture.  Revista Mexicana de Ingenieria Quimica 713-720.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Maciel-Vergara, G., Chavarria-Hernandez, J.C., Castro-Rosas, J.,Rodriguez-Pastrana, B.R., de la Torre-Martinez, M. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I. 2011.  Mass production of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae CABA01, through the submerged monoxenic culture in two internal-loop airlift bioreactors with some geometric differences. Biochemical Engineering Journal  55: 145-153.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Ortega-Morales, E., Vargas-Torres, A., Chavarria-Hernandez, J.C. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I. 2010.  Submerged Monoxenic Culture of the Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae CABA01, in a Mechanically Agitated Bioreactor: Evolution of the Hydrodynamic and Mass Transfer Conditions. Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering 15: 580-589.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I., Perez-Guevara, F. and  de la Torre, M.  2003. Evolution of culture broth rheological properties during propagation of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, in submerged monoxenic culture. Biotechnology Progress 19: 405-409.

Chavarria-Hernandez, N., Sanjuan-Galindo, R., Rodriguez-Pastrana, B.R., Medina-Torres, L. and Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.I.  2007.  Submerged monoxenic culture of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae in an internal-loop airlift bioreactor using two configurations of the inner tube. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 98: 167-176.

de la Torre, M. 2003. Challenges for mass production of nematodes in submerged culture. Biotechnology Advances 21: 407-416.

Ehlers, R.U. 2001.  Mass production of entomopathogenic nematodes for plant protection. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 56: 623-633.

Gil, G.H., Choo, H.Y. and Gaugler, R. 2002.  Enhancement of entomopathogenic nematode production in in-vitro liquid culture of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora by fed-batch culture with glucose supplementation.  Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 58: 751-755.

Han, R.C. and Ehlers, R.U. 2001. Effect of Photorhabdus luminescens phase variants on the in vivo and in vitro development and reproduction of the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 35: 239-247.

Hirao, A. and Ehlers, R. -U. 2009.  Effect of temperature on the development of Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in liquid culture. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 84: 1061-1067.

Hirao, A. and Ehlers, R. -U. 2009.  Influence of cell density and phase variants of bacterial symbionts (Xenorhabdus spp.) on dauer juvenile recovery and development of biocontrol nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae and S. feltiae (Nematoda: Rhabditida). Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 84: 77-85.

Hirao, A. and Ehlers, R. -U. 2010.  Influence of inoculum density on population dynamics and dauer juvenile yields in liquid culture of biocontrol nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae and S. feltiae (Nematoda: Rhabditida).  Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 85: 507-515.

Islas-Lopez, M.A., Sanjuan-Galindo, R., Rodriguez-Hernandez, A.L. and Chavarria-Hernandez, N.  2005. Monoxenic production of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae using culture media containing agave juice (aguamiel) from Mexican maguey-pulquero (Agave spp). Effects of the contents of nitrogen, carbohydrates and fat on infective juvenile production. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 68: 91-97.

Johnigk, S.A., Ecke, F., Poehling, M. and Ehlers, R.U. 2004.  Liquid culture mass production of biocontrol nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Nematoda : Rhabditida): improved timing of dauer juvenile inoculation. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 64: 651-658.

Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. and Gaugler, R. 2002.  Production technology for entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts.  Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology 28: 137-146.

Yoo, S.K., Brown, I., Cohen, N., et al. 2001. Medium concentration influencing growth of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and its symbiotic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 11: 644-648.

Influence of potting media on the virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus /  by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been demonstrated that five different types of commercial potting media including peat, bark, coir, and peat blended with 10% and 20% compost green waste can influence the virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes against third-instar black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus.  For example, Heterorhabditis species including Heterorhabditis bacteriophora UWS1 strain, H. megidis, H. downesi can cause 100% mortality of black vine weevil grubs in all the five types of media but  Steinernema species including Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, and S. kraussei can cause 100% black vine weevil grub mortality only in the peat blended with 20% compost green waste.  These results suggest that when growers are selecting entomopathogenic nematodes to control black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus in their nurseries/greenhouses, they should take into consideration the type of potting media used in growing their plants. Please read following paper for the information on the method of nematode application rates and timings.

Ansari, M. A. and Butt, T. M. 2011.  Effect of potting media on the efficacy and dispersal of entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Biological Control 58: 310-318.

Ansari, M.A., Shah, F.A. and Butt, T.M. 2010.  The entomopathogenic nematodeSteinernema kraussei and Metarhizium anisopliae work synergistically in controlling overwintering larvae of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, in strawberry growbags. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 20: 99-105.

Entompathogenic nematodes used as biopesticides /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Entomopathogenic nematodes such as Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora have been used to control white grubs that feed turfgrass in your yard. When applied in turf these nematodes search and infect white grubs. They infect grub insects through the natural openings and once inside they release symbiotic bacteria in the body cavity of grub. Bacteria multiply and kill insect within 48 hours of infection.

Desiccated insect cadavers: An easy method for delivery of entomopathogenic nematodes in the field /  by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been demonstrated that entomopathogenic nematodes can be easily delivered through desiccated insect cadavers. It has been shown that the nematodes can survive and preserve their virulence capacities in desiccated insect cadavers.  These desiccated cadavers are easy to apply and when cadavers come in contact with water or rehydrated infective juveniles will emerge out to seek new host. Read following research papers on application of entomopathogenic nematodes through insect cadavers.

Ansari, M.A., Hussain, M. and Moens, M. 2009.  Formulation and application of entomopathogenic nematode-infected cadavers for control of Hoplia philanthus in turf grass. Pest Management Science 65: 367-374.

Creighton, C.S. and Fassuliotis, G. 1985.  Heterorhabditis sp. (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae): a nematode parasite isolated from the banded cucumber beetle Diabrotica balteata. Journal of Nematology 17: 150–153.

Del Valle, E.E., Dolinksi, C., and Souza, R.M. 2008. Dispersal of Heterorhabditis baujardi LPP7 (Nematoda : Rhabditida) applied to the soil as infected host cadavers. International Journal of Pest Management 54: 115-122.

Del Valle, E.E., Dolinksi, C., Barreto, E.L.S. and Souza, R.M. 2009.  Effect of cadaver coatings on emergence and infectivity of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis baujardi LPP7 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) and the removal of cadavers by ants. Biological Control 50: 21–24.

Del Valle, E.E., Dolinksi, C., Barreto, E.L.S., Souza, R.M. and Samuels, R.I. 2008.  Efficacy of Heterorhabditis baujardi LP77 (Nematoda: Rhabditida) applied in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) insect cadavers to Conotrachelus psidii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae. Biocontrol Science and Technology 18: 33–41.

Perez, E.E., Lewis, E.E and Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. 2003.  Impact of host cadaver on survival and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) under desiccating conditions. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 82: 111–118.

Shapiro, D.I and Lewis, E.E. 1999.  Comparison of entomopathogenic nematode infectivity from infected hosts versus aqueous suspension. Environmental Entomology 28: 907–911.

Shapiro, D.I. and Glazer, I. 1996.  Comparison of entomopathogenic nematode dispersal from infected hosts versus aqueous suspension. Environmental Entomology 25: 1455–1461.

Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., Lewis, E.E., Behle, R.W and McGuire, M.R. 2001.  Formulation of entomopathogenic nematode-infected-cadavers. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 78: 17–23.

Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., Lewis, E.E., Tedders, W.L. and Son, Y. 2003.  Superior efficacy observed in entomopathogenic nematodes applied in infected-host cadavers compared with application in aqueous suspension, Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 83: 270–272.

Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., Tedders, W.L. and Lewis, E.E., 2008. Application of entomopathogenic nematode-infected cadavers from hard-bodied arthropods for insect suppression. US Patent 7374,773.

Spence, K.O., Stevens, G.N., Arimoto, H., Ruiz-Vega, J., Kaya, H.K. and Lewis, E.E. 2011.  Effect of insect cadaver desiccation and soil water potential during rehydration on entomopathogenic nematode (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) production and virulence. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 106: 268-273.

Biological control of termites using entomopathogenic nematodes /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Biological control of termites using entomopathogenic nematodes Recently, it has been reported that the TP strain of an entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave have potential to control subterranean termites, a major insect pest of wood structures and wood products.

Read following papers on interaction between termites and entomopathogenic nematodes.

Yu, H., Gouge, D.H. and Shapiro-Ilan, D.I.  2010. A Novel Strain of Steinernema riobrave (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Possesses Superior Virulence to Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Nematology 42: 91-95.

Yu, H., Gouge, D.H., Stock, S.P. and Baker, P.B. 2008. Development of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae; Heterorhabditidae) in desert subterranean termite Heterotermes aureus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Nematology. 40: 311-317.

Fungicidal activity of an antibacterial compound from entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacterium. /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Recently, Yang et al. (2011) tested a fungicidal activity of an antibacterial compound called Xenocoumacin 1 (Xcn1) from symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila var. pekingensis against Potato late blight disease causing fungus, Phytophthora infestans.  These authors reported that this antibacterial compound strongly inhibits P. infestans mycelium growth and sporangia production. Read following papers on antibacterial compounds from entomopathogenic nematode symbiotic bacteria.

Akhurst, R.J. 1982.  Aantibiotic-activity of xenorhabdus spp, bacteria symbiotically associated with insect pathogenic nematodes of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae . Journal of General Microbiology 128: 3061.

Bowen, D. 1998. Insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens. Science 280 : 2129.

Fang, X. L., Feng, J.T., Zhang, W. G., Wang, Y. H. and Zhang, X. 2010.  Optimization of growth medium and fermentation conditions for improved antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus nematophila TB using a statistical approach.  African Journal of Biotechnology: 9: 8068-8077.

Gualtieri, M. 2009. Identification of a new antimicrobial lysine-rich cyclolipopeptide family from Xenorhabdus nematophila. Journal of Antibiotics 62: 295.

Ji, D. 2004. Identification of an antibacterial compound, benzylideneacetone, from Xenorhabdus nematophila against major plant-pathogenic bacteria. FEMS Microbiology Letters 239: 241.

Li, J.X. 1995. Antimicrobial metabolites from a bacterial symbiont. Journal of Natural Products-Lloydia 58: 1081.

Li, J.X. 1997. Nematophin, a novel antimicrobial substance produced by Xenorhabdus nematophilus (Enterobactereaceae). Canadian Journal of Microbiology 43: 770.

Mcinerney, B.V. 1991. Biologically-active metabolites from Xenorhabdus spp .1. dithiolopyrrolone derivatives with antibiotic-activity. Journal of Natural Products 54: 774.

Mcinerney, B.V. 1991. Biologically-active metabolites from Xenorhabdus spp.2. BENZOPYRAN-1-ONE derivatives with gastroprotective activity. Journal of Natural Products 54: 785.

Paul, V.J. 1981. Antibiotics in microbial ecology - isolation and structure assignment of several new anti-bacterial compounds from the insect-symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus Spp. Journal of Chemical Ecology 7: 589.

Wang, Y.H.  2008. Enhanced antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus nematophila by medium optimization. Bioresource Technology 99: 1708.

Yang , X.F., Qiu, D.W., Yang, H.W., Liu, Z., Zeng, H.M. and Yuan, J.J.  2011.  Antifungal activity of xenocoumacin 1 from Xenorhabdus nematophilus var. pekingensis against Phytophthora infestans . World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 27: 523-528.

Plants can call entomopathogenic nematodes to attack their insect enemies /  by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been demonstrated that entomopathogenic nematodes are attracted to herbivore-induced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plants when fed upon by their insect pests.   Thus these attracted nematodes can attack and kill the insects present in the vicinity of plants. Please read following papers for more information on VOCs released by plants and nematode attraction.

Ali, J.G., Alborn, H.T. and Stelinski, L.L. 2011. Constitutive and induced subterranean plant volatiles attract both entomopathogenic and plant parasitic nematodes. Journal of Ecology 99: 26-35.

Rasmann, S., Erwin, A.C., Halitschke, R. and Agrawal, A.A. 2011. Direct and indirect root defenses of milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): trophic cascades, trade-offs and novel methods for studying subterranean herbivory.  Journal of Ecology 99: 16-25.

Compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes with chemical pesticides /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Recently, Radova (2011) reported that the chemical pesticide fenpyroximate showed no adverse effect on virulence of entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora but it reduced the virulence of Steinernema feltiae against the insect called mealworm Tenebrio molitor under laboratory conditions. For more information, read following papers on related topics

Garcia-Del-Pino, F. and Morton, A. 2010.  Synergistic effect of the herbicides glyphosate and MCPA on survival of entomopathogenic nematodes  Biocontrol Science and Technology.  20: 483-488.

Gutierrez, C., Campos-Herrera, R. and Jimenez, J. 2008.  Comparative study of the effect of selected agrochemical products on Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida : Steinernematidae).  Biocontrol Science and Technology.  18: 101-108.

Negrisoli, A.S., Garcia, M.S., Negrisoli, C.R.C.B. 2010a.  Compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Rhabditida) with registered insecticides for Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions.  Crop Protection 29: 545-549.

Negrisoli, A.S., Garcia, M.S., Negrisoli, C.R.C.B., Bernardi, D. and da Silva, A. 2010b.  Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Rhabditida) and insecticide mixtures to control Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn. Crop Protection. 29: 677-683.

Radova, S.  2011.  Effects of selected pesticides on survival and virulence of two nematode species. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies.  20: 181-185.

Biological control of the lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes) /  by Ganpati Jagdale

The lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes is a serious pest of commercially grown peach (Prunus spp.), orchards.  It has been demonstrated that this insect pest can be controlled using entomopathogenic nematodes including Steinernema carpocapsae, S. riobrave and  Heterorhabditis spp. Please read following article for interaction between the lesser peachtree borer and entomopathogenic nematodes.

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Cottrell, T. E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., Horton, D. L., and Mizell, R. F., III.  2011. Laboratory virulence and orchard efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against the lesser peach tree borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae).  Journal of Economic entomology 104: 47-53.

Damage caused by Japanese beetles /  by Ganpati Jagdale

What are Plant-parasitic nematodes? /  by Ganpati Jagdale

Nematodes are usually microscopic, thread-like, colorless and non-segmented roundworms without any appendages. There are harmful (e.g., plant- and animal-parasitic) and beneficial (e.g., entomopathogenic) nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes generally cause damage to crops and many other types of plants. Although majority of plant-parasitic nematodes are root feeders, they have different types of association with plants. For example, the root-knot (Meloidogyne sp) and cyst (Heterodera sp.) nematodes have endoparasitic association meaning they live and feed within the tissue of roots, tubers, buds, seeds. Nematodes including stuby-root (Trichodorus sp.), dagger (Xiphinema sp), needle (Longidorus sp), ring (Criconemella sp), stunt (Tylenchorhynchus sp), pin (Paratylenchus sp), and spiral (Helicotylenchus sp) have ectoparasitic association meaning they feed externally on roots through their walls. Some of the nematodes like the reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) have semi-endoparasitic association meaning these nematodes feed on the roots by penetrating their anterior (head) region into root tissue and leaving their posterior (tail) region remains outside of the root.

Biological control of Scarab larvae, Phyllophaga bicolor with entomopathogenic nematodes /  by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been reported that the heterorhabditis nematodes were more virulent than steinernematid nematodes against larvae Phyllophaga bicolor (Melo et al., 2010). Read following paper for more information.

Melo, E.L, Ortega, C.A., Gaigl, A. and Bellotti, A. 2010.  Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of Phyllophaga bicolor (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). Revista Colombiana de Entomologia 36: 207-212.

Control of cockroaches using entomopathogenic nematodes /  by Ganpati Jagdale

It has been reported that entomopathogenic nematodes can be used as biological control agent to manage species of the American (Periplaneta americana) and the German (Blattella germanica) cockroaches. Read following paper for more information

Maketon, M., Hominchan, A. and Hotaka, D.  2010. Control of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) and German cockroach (Blattella germanica) by entomopathogenic nematodes.  Revista Colombiana de Entomologia 36: 249-253.