ESTABLISHING EFFECT OF COMMONLY USED INSECTICIDES FOR APHID CONTROL ON THE INFECTIVITY OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE Steinernema feltiae USING A STREAMLINED SCREENING METHOD

Abstract

The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) has been shown to offer much potential for tank-mixing with chemical insecticides in a range of pest control situations. This preliminary study investigated the compatibility of S. feltiae with selected insecticides commonly used for the control of aphid pests in UK glasshouse environments. Steinernema feltiae showed a level of direct compatibility with both dimethoate and imidacloprid. Cypermethrin proved non-compatible for direct mixing with S. feltiae. The potential for tank-mixing nematodes with chemical insecticides for aphid control in UK glasshouses is discussed.