Potential of steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) as a biological control agent against the cabbage maggot delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in oilseed rape

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae have considerable potential as biological control agents against soil-inhabiting insect pests. In the present study, the potential of Steinernema feltiae as a biological control agent against cabbage maggot (CM) Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), persistence of the nematode in areas infested by CM larvae, and foraging behavior of the nematode toward CM and/or oilseed rape roots were examined in the laboratory. T e results of the laboratory experiment showed that more than 80% control was achieved against the last instars of D. radicum. Steinernema feltiae persisted in the soil in high numbers for 12 weeks in laboratory assays. T e foraging behavior of S. feltiae in the presence of D. radicum larvae and oilseed rape roots, of ered individually and in combination, was studied using a Y-tube olfactometer f lled with silver sand (Humax® U.K., particle size: 300-400 μm) at 8 and 15 °C. When insect larvae were present, more nematodes migrated toward the larvae at both temperatures. © TÜBİTAK.