The influence of fertility and surfactant treatments on persistence of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in a simulated turfgrass environment

The turfgrass industry in the United States has grown at a rapid rate over the past half century, as large tracts of land have been developed to support the ever-growing suburban population. At the same time, public perception of potential negative health risks and environmental impacts associated with pesticides has prompted legislative restrictions on insecticide use. These concerns have motivated many turfgrass managers to consider alternative, non-pesticide management techniques or strategies that are aligned with integrated pest management (IPM). Entomopathogenic nematodes possess characteristics that make them desirable biological alternatives to chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, factors affecting the ability of these nematodes to persist in the environment at levels sufficient to regulate insect pests are not completely understood. In order to move beyond the use of short-term inundative release techniques for these nematodes, a greater understanding of the factors influencing nematode establishment and persistence is needed. Therefore, the long term objective of this research is to understand how cultural inputs and management practices influence the persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes. In this project I will examine how nitrogen fertility and soil surfactants influence nematode persistence under greenhouse conditions. Results will be discussed.