A new entomopathogenic nematode species from Turkey, Steinernema websteri (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), and its virulence

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes were isolated from a population of larvae of the cutworm Agrotis segetum Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from the Black Sea region of Turkey in 2009 using White traps. The isolated nematodes were identified as Steinernema websteri based on morphological and molecular properties. Steinernema websteri was also found for the first time in Turkey and in A. segetum larvae. The efficacy of isolates was tested on A. segetum larvae in plastic boxes. Different concentrations of nematodes (100, 300, and 500 infective juveniles (IJs) g -1 of dry sand) at 23 ± 1 °C were used. The obtained mortality percentages were 100% with the concentration of 500 IJs g -1 of dry sand within 5 days after application under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that S. websteri is a promising biological control agent against A. segetum, which is one of the most serious subsoil pests plaguing agricultural crops and fruits worldwide.

Isolation and Characterization of a Parasitic Nematode, Oscheius myriophila (Nematoda: Rhabditida), Associated with European Mole Cricket, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae)

“…All of which increase the importance of our isolate. Considering that the findings of this study will contribute significantly to integrated pest management of mole crickets and under soil pests such as Agrotis segetum, Agriotes lineatus and Melolontha melolontha [34][35][36][37]. Future work will indicates the potential role of this nematode in natural regulation of mole crickets.…”

Effects of entomopathogenic nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser), in biological control of Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Steinernema websteri was recently isolated from A. segetum in Turkey and could efficiently control this pest. The nematode killed 100% of third instar larvae in 5 days when it was applied with the concentration of 500 IJs / g dry sand (Gökçe et al, 2015).…”

Global distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema and Heterorhabditis

“…collected from Ekecik (Aksaray) winter quarters. Other species of EPNs reported from Turkey included S. feltiae, S. carpocapsae, S. affine, S. websteri, S. anatoliense, S. weiseri, S. bicornutum, S. kraussei, and some undescribed Steinernema species, while among heterohabditids, 3 species viz., H. bacteriophora, H. marelatus, and H. megidis were reported (Kepenekci and Susurluk, 2000;Hazir et al, 2003;Yılmaz et al, 2007;Ünlü et al, 2007;Kepenekci, 2002Kepenekci, , 2014Ertürk et al, 2014;Gökçe et al, 2015;Canhilal et al, 2016Canhilal et al, , 2017. Hazir et al (2003) described a new species of Steinernema, S. anatoliense, which was isolated from soil samples collected in the locality of Kars, East Anatolia, and was later synonymized with S. carpocapsae.…”