The effect of Xenorhabdus bacteria metabolites on Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) adult feeding and larval survival.

Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) is one of the most destructive potato pests that can quickly develop resistance to insecticides. Therefore, new safe and effective control strategies that are less susceptible to the development of resistance by CPB are urgently needed. Due to their complex mode of action, the likelihood of resistance development by target pests is generally low with antifeedants.

The use of Phasmarhabditis nematodes and metabolites of Xenorhabdus bacteria in slug control.

Many species of slugs are considered serious pests in agriculture and horticulture around the world. In Europe, slugs of the genera Arion and Deroceras are the most harmful pests in agriculture. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the whole-cell metabolites of 10 strains of five Xenorhabdus and three slug-parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, Phasmarhabditis bohemica, and Phasmarhabditis apuliae) on the feeding behaviour and repellent effect on target slugs and evaluate a new possible means of biocontrol of these pests.

Efficacy of the Applied Natural Enemies on the Survival of Colorado Potato Beetle Adults.

Colorado potato beetle is among the most destructive pests of potatoes quickly developing resistance to traditional insecticides. In the present study, we tested the effect of various species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes on CPB adults, and subsequently, the most effective nematodes were applied alone and in combination with entomopathogenic fungus in pots with potato plants and in the field and their effect on the number of emerging adults was evaluated. In the experimental infections, both the nematode invasion and pathogenicity were variable, and, in several strains, the mortality reached 100%.

Dissemination of Spores by and .

Entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi are globally distributed soil organisms that are frequently used as bioagents in biological control and integrated pest management. Many studies have demonstrated that the combination of biocontrol agents can increase their efficacy against target hosts. In our study, we focused on another potential benefit of the synergy of two species of nematodes, and and the fungus .

Phylogenetic evidence for the invasion of a commercialized European Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita lineage into North America and New Zealand.

Biological control (biocontrol) as a component of pest management strategies reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals, and seemingly offers a natural approach that minimizes environmental impact. However, introducing a new organism to new environments as a classical biocontrol agent can have broad and unanticipated biodiversity effects and conservation consequences. Nematodes are currently used in a variety of commercial biocontrol applications, including the use of Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita as an agent targeting pest slug and snail species.