Research on the efficacy of three application techniques of entomopathogenic nematodes against Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] under greenhouse conditions

One of the pest organisms reducing potato production is Colorado Potato Beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomalidae)] (CPB). CPB is a polyphagous pest that damages every-stage of potato. Although entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the world have been demonstrated by many laboratories and field/garden studies activity against many harmful groups, very few studies have been conducted on CPB in our country (Türkiye). In the scope of work intended to be used EPNs [Steinernema feltiae (isolate 09-31) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (isolate 09-43)] against CPB with an important pest of potato plant. The main objective of the study is revealed greenhouse and soil applications of EPN, which are present in our laboratories in our stocks and which are expected to have a lasting effect in the laboratory studies (to different stages of the end CPB larval period and recent practices in soil). There is also a lot of work in the world about the use of aqueous concentrations of EPNs against harmful effects. In recent years, efforts have been made to use EPNs in cadaver instead of aqueous concentrates. According to the results of the study, the highest mortality rate of the EPNs in the soil applications was obtained in S. feltiae (65,23±4,45 ve 77,33±2,59). Other applications (green limbs and cadaver applications) are seen to have a low level of efficacy. In the trial results, the mortality rate in cadaver applications did not exceed 40% and the lowest mortality rate in H.bacteriophora was 37,40±8,88%. In the case of green devices, the mortality rate did not exceed 30% and the highest mortality rate was 29,14±6,09 in H.bacteriophora. According to EPN greenhouse-pot experiments results, soil applications of S. feltiae (isolate 09-31) isolate should be included within the scope of field trials.