Steinernema australe Enhanced Its Efficacy against Aegorhinus nodipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae in Berry Orchards after an Artificial Selection Process

The entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema australe was isolated from Isla Santa Magdalena in Chile and identified as a good alternative for controlling Aegorhinus nodipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae. This weevil is native to the south of some regions Argentina, causing decline ultimate death plants berry orchards. major problem brought about by caused larvae, which spend between nine eleven months below ground, feeding inside roots plants. study seeks increase S. australe’s efficacy through an artificial selection process using odor stimulus. We selected infective juveniles (IJs) that followed stimulus order reach larvae at depth 30 cm achieve this objective. Larvae infected with IJs original stock were compared under laboratory, greenhouse, field conditions. results showed 20% stock. observed higher proportion reached faster during first four days post-application. Moreover, treated depleted, mix stages emerging cadaver. Finally, potential trade-off regard recycling nematodes into soil proposed.