The Effect of Selective Culture of Steinernema Feltiae At Low Temperature On Establishment, Pathogenicity, Reproduction and Size of Infective Juveniles

Steinernema feltiae was selectively cultured in Galleria mellonella as follows: 13 infective cycles at 22°C, near to the optimum temperature for development of S. feltiae, four infective cycles at 10°C close to the lowest temperature at which reproduction occurs, or four infective cycles at 10°C followed by one cycle at 22° C. After four cycles at 10°C the LT 50 (Galleria mortality) was shorter, the establishment higher and the size of infective juveniles longer and wider than those produced after 13 infective cycles at 22°C. After treatment at four cycles at 10°C followed by one cycle at 22°C the decrease in LT 50 observed after four cycles at 10°C was lost when tested at 7°C and 10°C and partially lost when tested at 12°C and 15°C. Reproduction was not affected by previous culture temperatures.