Performance of the slug parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita under predicted conditions of winter warming

Abstract

The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is the only commercial biological control agent for terrestrial slugs. We investigated whether the predicted conditions of winter warming could have any effect on its performance. In the presence of nematodes, slug damage to lettuce plants and slug survival were significantly lower under the predicted conditions of winter warming than under normal winter conditions, while in the absence of nematodes, slug damage and survival were similar under the conditions of winter warming and under current winter conditions. The data suggest that P. hermaphrodita may perform better under the predicted conditions of winter warming.