Biocontrol of Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Using Entomopathogenic Nematodes: The Impact of Infected Host Cadaver Application and Soil Characteristics

Abstract Wireworms have become a significant menace to cereals in the Northern Great Plains. Therefore, research toward developing effective control methods such as biological with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is warranted. Two strains, each of two EPN species, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) and riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar, Raulston form infected Galleria mellonella (L.) cadavers were evaluated against wireworms field greenhouse. In experiments, none four strains found wireworms. However, greenhouse test, three S. (All Cxrd) or (355) applied killed 50–68% sugarbeet wireworm, Limonius californicus (Mannerheim) was associated 8–24% plant damage at 35 d after treatment (DAT), when seeds treated imidacloprid. The mortality range 40–56% 57–75% observed DAT, planted without imidacloprid treatment. Synergistic effect among (Cxrd) regard L. mortality. Additionally, effects soil texture, moisture, temperature on infection rate EPNs examined laboratory. not significantly affected by either moisture types maintained capacity levels. showed Overall, enhanced killing ability virulent different experiments.