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Additive and synergistic interaction between entomopathogenic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis for scarab grub control

We studied the interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies japonensis Buibui strain (Btj) and entomopathogenic nematodes on the white grubs, Cyclocephala hirta and C. pasadenae. Field-collected third instar grubs were kept individually in microcosms filled with soil and fed grass seeds. G...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological control 1997-02, Vol.8 (2)
Main Authors: Koppenhofer, A.M. (University of California, Davis, CA.), Kaya, H.K
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We studied the interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies japonensis Buibui strain (Btj) and entomopathogenic nematodes on the white grubs, Cyclocephala hirta and C. pasadenae. Field-collected third instar grubs were kept individually in microcosms filled with soil and fed grass seeds. Grubs were exposed to various concentrations of Btj and/or entomopathogenic pathogenic nematodes and grub mortality was assessed at weekly intervals. Nematodes were added at 0 to 14 days after application of Btj. Throughout most of our experiments, combinations of Btj and nematodes caused additive grub mortalities or greater than additive mortalities, indicating synergism. To achieve additive or synergistic effects, grubs had to be exposed to Btj for at least 7 days before the addition of nematodes. We observed this interaction between Btj and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora or Steinernema glaseri, but not with the most pathogenic nematode, S. kushidai. The additive or synergistic interaction between Btj and S. glaseri or H. bacteriophora may offer a powerful and reliable tool for scarab grub control
ISSN:1049-9644
1090-2112
DOI:10.1006/bcon.1996.0498