Efficacy and residual activity of commercially available entomopathogenic nematode strains for Mediterranean fruit fly control and their ability to infect infested fruits

• DOI: 10.1002/ps.6416
• Publication Date: 2021-04-17T08:54:02Z
• Authors: Apostolos Kapranas; Anna Chronopoulou; Ioanna C Lytra; Arne Peters; Panagiotis G Milonas; Dimitrios P Papac...
• Keywords: Ceratitis capitata; Overwintering; Capitata

Abstract BACKGROUND Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) show potential in controlling larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitate , but previous studies mainly concern species and strains that are not commercially available. The use EPN for control is further hampered by cost using nematodes. In this study, efficacy residual activity commercial three species, Steinernema carpοcapsae S. feltiae Heterοrhabditis bacteriοphοra medfly) C. capitata soil substrate inside fruits were evaluated. RESULTS Suspensions these applied at a dose 1.5 mi m −2 on wherein medfly added sequentially period 4 weeks post application 20 °C. provided highest suppression up to 50% as assessed adult emergence because it had immediate long activity. Furthermore, lesser degree carpocapsae able move infect infested apples oranges left surface applied, reducing significantly (60–78%). CONCLUSION These results support feasibility applying single, relatively low autumn, off‐season, targeting overwintering with scope number medflies emerging later new season.