Entomopathogenic nematode species combinations alter rates of dispersal, host encounter and insecticidal efficiency

摘要

Combinations of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species are sometimes more or less effective than individual species for the management of insect pests. We hypothesized that these outcomes are due in part to dispersal rates that differ when EPN species are conspecific or heterospecific. Dispersal rates of three heterorhabditid species, six steinernematid species, and mixtures of some were assessed using image analysis of nematodes on water agar. The dispersal rates between the genera differed significantly and were unrelated to the estimated body mass or the putative foraging strategy, including that of the recently named Steinernema khuongi, characterized here as a cruise forager (actively search for hosts). Heterorhabditis indica dispersed more rapidly on agar when combined with S. diaprepesi, but not with S. glaseri. The presence of S. diaprepesi in soil microcosms also increased the proximity of H. indica to Galleria mellonella host insects, while H. indica presence reduced the number of G. mellonella killed by S. diaprepesi. Nevertheless, increasing the H. indica dispersal rate did not increase its insecticidal effectiveness, likely due to competition with the more virulent S. diaprepesi. Rather, the effect of combining the species on the mortality of G. mellonella was additive. Our results suggest that interspecific EPN communication affects not only orientation but also dispersal rate, with potential impacts on biological control and the subsequent fitness of each species.