Efficacy of the bacterial cell suspensions from entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema abbasi against larvae and pupae of Spodoptera exigua and Galleria mellonella

摘要

The bacterium Pseudomonas putida from entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema abbasi, applied as an aqueous broth suspension of cells, was lethal to larvae and pupae of beet army worm, Spodaptera exigua and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. Thebacterial cells were able to penetrate into the haemocoele of the larvae and pupae, but the method by which the cells gained entry to the haemocoele was not determined. The bacterial cells were most effective when applied under moist conditions. Applying suspensions of bacterial cells may provide a strategy for controlling the insect pests on foliage or in soil. Such applications are likely to be subject to norrnai registration procedures for bio-pesticides.