Abstract
The DD-136 strain of N. carpocapsae was tested to see if it would provide biological control against the whitespotted longicorn beetle (Anoplophora inalasiaca) infesting citrus orchards. The first to 4th instar larvae and adults of the beetle were infected, and were then killed by N. carpocapsae within 2 days at 25°C. The nematodes multiplied in the host cadavers. The emergence of infective juveniles (J III) from the cadavers began 8 days following inoculation and continued on each instar larva for 2 weeks, while on adult beetles the emergence began 13 days after and continued for 1 month. The average number of J III emerging from 1st instar larvae (L 1), L 2, L 3, L 4, and adults was 3, 100, 6, 100, 13, 300, 29, 900, and 108, 000, respectively. Application of DD-136 to the L 2 and L 3 burrowing in the citrus limbs yielded satisfactory results. Topical application with gauze to the opening of the beetle gallery with ca. 1, 000 J III in 0.5 ml distilled water gave 90% mortality 8 days after application at 25°C. Spraying of J III suspension to the surface of the limbs gave ca. 60% mortality.
