The evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the efficacy of transgenic crops that produce insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, fitness costs may act to delay pest resistance to Bt toxins. Meta-analysis of results from four previous studies revealed that the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) imposed a 20% fitness cost for ...

Chromonema heliothidis n. gen., n. sp. is described as an entomophilic nematode of Heliothis zea and other lepidopterous larvae; the diagnosis of the family Steinernermatidae is emended. In most morphological and host-parasite features, this nematode is similar to neoaplectanid nematodes; however, males are different in having a peloderan bursa and straight to slightly curved spicules. Although...

The effects of different application technologies were evaluated on the concentration, viability, and effi ciency of infective juveniles of the nematodes Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunakar & David and Steinernema sp. (IBCB-n6) to control Spodoptera frugiperda Smith on corn plants. Two hundred and eighty infective juveniles of Steinernema sp. were required to kill 100% third-instar fall ar...

The recent invasion of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in northern Italy offered opportunity to explore entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) associated with soil hay meadows. A total 61 sites were considered for nematode sampling, and from 17 them (27.9%) EPNs isolated further characterized molecular morphological techniques as well laboratory bioassays. Two...

Abstract Background The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), especially in the 2 families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae, are important biocontrol agents against insect pests. leaf miners (Fam.: Agromyzidae) cosmopolitan There more than 330 Liriomyza spp. including 20 species that have been reported as economically pests of field crops, ornamentals vegetables. house flies serious for huma...