Application of bark compost containing entomogenous nematodes, Steinernema feltiae DD-136, for the control of the white spotted longicorn beetle, Anoplophora malasiaca

Abstract

Application of bark compost containing infective juveniles (J ₃) of Steinernema feltiae DD-136 at the dose rates of 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000/ml resulted in 72 to 100% mortality for the 1st to 3rd instar larvae of Anoplophora malasiaca burrowing into citrus-limb under laboratory conditions at 25°C. In August, the application of bark compost containing nematodes (500, 000J ₃/plant) on the soil surface around the trunk of a 6 year old navel orange tree resulted in 85% mortality for the 2nd and 3rd instar larvae in the laboratory, 77% for those in the trees shaded by cheesecloth, and 59% for those in trees exposed to direct. sunlight without shading. Spraying of the nematode suspension at the rate of 300, 000 per plant on the surface of the trunk resulted in 66%, 77%, and 25% mortality under the above conditions, respectively.