Evaluation of the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis sp against sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Nitidulid beetles (Coleoptera) are considered serious pests of date palms throughout the world. They attack the ripe fruit, causing it to rot, and damage is reflected in both reduced yield and lower fruit quality. Previous studies demonstrated the susceptibility of larvae of this pest to entomopathogenic nematodes from the genus Heterorhabditidis. In the present study nematode efficacy was evaluated in greenhouse and field. In containers filled with soil, moderate reduction in insect emergence was achieved when the nematodes were applied at concentrations of 25 and 50 IJs/cm(2). However, the highest concentration (100 IJs/cm(2)) treatment resulted in a drastic reduction (by 70-90%) in emergence of the beetles. The lowest emergence was achieved by the IS-19 and IS-21 strains (> 10%). Efficacy of the IS-19 strain was retained up to 7 days after application at a rate of 100 IJs/cm(2). When the insect larvae were introduced to the soil 2 weeks after nematode application, the percentage emergence of insects increased by 2-2.5 fold as compared to previous introductions but was still lower than in the control. Insect density per container did not have an effect on efficacy of the nematodes when the strains IS-19 and IS-12 were used. Two field trials were conducted in different sites in Israel. In the first trail, conducted in date palm orchard, four strains of Heterorhabditis sp. were tested. No significant difference in insect emergence was recorded among the various treatments or the control. Whereas in the second trial conducted in a fig orchard, substantial reduction (by 50-70%) in insect emergence was recorded following nematode treatment. Further studies, under natural conditions, are needed to optimize application efficiency and evaluate the commercial utilization of these biological control agents.