Utilization of the Entomopathogenic Nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 and Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) as Biological Control Agents against the Peach Fruit Fly Bactrocera zonata Saunders (Tephritidae: Diptera)

Abstract

: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are associated with bacterial symbionts of the genus Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus , respectively. They are produced and used as biological control agents against many soil insect pests. The present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematode species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae in producing the infective juveniles and host finding effects against the full-grown larvae of Bactrocera zonata . Results indicated that the mortality percentage increased as the concentration of IJs increased. Also, H. bacteriophora was more effective at 25 than 30°C. The production rate increased as the concentration of IJs increased. H. bacteriophora was the highest reproductive strain than S. feltiae at the two tested IJs concentrations. Generally, H. bacteriophora was more effective than S . feltiae .