Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes play a pivotal role as biocontrol agents for different species of insect pests, including the red palm weevil. In the current investigation, the infective capabilities of four species of entomopathogenic nematodes, including Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema glaseri, and Steinernema carpocapsae, were evaluated against larvae, pupae, and adult red palm weevil under laboratory and field conditions. The pathogenic potential of selected nematode species was assessed based on dissection and adult emergence of weevils. Our results indicated that S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora, with a respective 94.68 and 92.68% infection rate, were the most effective EPN species against red palm weevil larvae. Focusing on adult emergence, the aforementioned EPNs were comparatively less pathogenic and resulted in 63.60 and 60.20% infested pupae, respectively. It is noted that adult emergence is the better option to evaluate the pathogenic potential of EPNs, compared with the dissection of insects. The S. carpocapsae was found to be most effective against the 6th instar larvae of the red palm weevil and caused 100% mortality at 240 h after treatment. On the other hand, S. glaseri and S. feltiae were found to be the least pathogenic and caused 70 and 76% mortality, respectively. All of the evaluated nematode species were found to be highly infective under field conditions. The S. carpocapsae was found to be the most pathogenic, causing 83.60% mortality of the red palm weevil. However, the tested nematodes were found most effective against larvae, followed by adult weevils, but their effect was minimal against the pupae of red palm weevils. Based on these findings, we conclude that the S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora could be used as a sustainable option for the efficient management of the red palm weevil.

Omics in the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A Bridge to the Pest

“…Depending on the type of host and environmental conditions, the RPW could produce eggs four times annually. The details of the weevil morphology and life cycle have been studied by many authors [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Seismic sensor‐based management of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in date palm plantations

“…However, there is evidence of the usefulness of field application of S. carpocapsae, especially against RPW larvae. [39][40][41]57 The importance of replacing chemical pesticide-based management with an environmentally friendly method, such as the use of entomopathogenic microorganisms, is increasing over time. 40,58 Therefore, in the research much attention was given to examining the effect of the application of S. carpocapsae compared with the above-mentioned synthetic insecticides, according to the sensor indication.…”

“…Several aspects of EPN application (such as delivery to farms and storage until use) against RPW infestation remain challenging. However, there is evidence of the usefulness of field application of S. carpocapsae , especially against RPW larvae 39–41,57 . The importance of replacing chemical pesticide‐based management with an environmentally friendly method, such as the use of entomopathogenic microorganisms, is increasing over time 40,58 .…”

Potential of Omics to Control Diseases and Pests in the Coconut Tree

“…That infects larvae and adults, and the predatory bird, Dendrocita vagabunda parvula [35]. Recently, Rehman and Mamoon-Ur-Rashid [36] evaluated the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema glaseri, Steinernema carpocapsae and Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, against larvae, pupae, and adult stages of the red palm weevil, in vitro and in field conditions. The four nematodes were highly pathogenic against larvae, followed by adult weevils, but their effect was minimal against the pupal stage.…”