Wednesday, December 13, 2006 - 2:55 PM
1121

Entomopathogenic nematodes and infected hosts: Implications in microbial ecology and biological control

David Shapiro-Ilan, dshapiro@saa.ars.usda.gov, USDA-ARS, SE Fruit and Tree Nut Research Unit, 21 DUNBAR RD, Byron, GA, Edwin E. Lewis, eelewis@ucdavis.edu, University of California - Davis, Department of Nematology, One Shields Avenue, 4208 Storer Hall, Davis, CA, and James Campbell, james.campbell@gmprc.ksu.edu, USDA-ARS-GMPRC, Biological Research Unit, 1515 College Av, Manhattan, KS.

In this presentation we address two questions: 1) How does the entomopathogenic nematode infected-host impact the ecology of entomopathogenic nematode populations and other soil-dwelling organisms? And 2) What is the potential for using the nematode infected-host as a vehicle for application in microbial control? Through laboratory experiments, we have learned a lot about how infective juvenile nematodes interact with con-specific and hetero-specific infected-hosts. For example, different cues that emanate from or are associated with the infected-host (such as exudates, volatile, and contact cues) may affect infective juvenile movement or infection behavior differently during pathogenesis. Thus, we hypothesize that entomopathogenic nematode population dynamics in natural and agroecosystems are significantly affected by the distribution and abundance of infected hosts. Furthermore, the nematode infected host and its associated exudates can affect other soil-biota. Entomopathogenic nematode infected-host cadavers can be applied for pest suppression. Laboratory, greenhouse, and field tests indicate that survival, infectivity, and efficacy of nematodes applied in infected-hosts can be superior to nematodes applied using the standard method of aqueous spray. However, due to requirement of nematode distribution in large areas, and mechanical or environmental constraints, infected-host applications are likely to only be appropriate in certain systems. Although methods to facilitate application of cadavers have been researched, and progress made, further investigation is warranted.


Species 1: Rhabditida Heterorhabditidae Heterorhabditis
Species 2: Rhabditida Steinernematidae Steinernema