Natural Populations of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Pampean Region of Argentina

摘要

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in the Pampean region of Argentina. The objective was to identify wild isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes that are virulent to native insect pests. A total of 310 soil samples from 14 localities were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Additionally, 264 insects collected during the survey were examined for the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes. Entomopathogenic nematodes were recovered from 41 samples, 65.9% were steinernematids (Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae and S. scapterisci) and 34.1% were heterorhabditids (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. argentinensis). Loam soils yielded nematode populations on 19 occasions, and sandy loam soils on 22 occasions. No nematodes were found in clay soils. Entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae were found in 27 of the 264 insects collected in the s