First record of a cold-active entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema kraussei (Steiner) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in Slovenia

Abstract

In preceding researches on occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes in Slovenia, which started in 2007, we already recorded Steinernema affine (Bovien), S. feltiae (Filipjev) and S. carpocapsae (Weiser). In April 2008, 120 soil samples from 24 locations were collected in Gorenjska, Notranjska and Primorska regions as well as in Ljubljansko barje. The presence of entomopathogenic nematodes was confirmed in 9 samples from 6 locations. Only the sample C46, which was taken in the village Podbrezje in Gorenjska region, was sent to genetic analysis. Molecular biological analysis have proved the identity of the sample with the species Steinernema kraussei (Steiner). This was the first record of Steinernema kraussei in Slovenia.