Reduction via Induction? Assessment of Pest and Disease Resistance Induced by Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Tobacco and Soybean

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), especially Steinernematidae, are important biological control agents of insect pests and sold commercially for the control of soil-dwelling insects. Previous research demonstrated EPNs applied to soil can induce systemic resistance in some plants. These studies have shown a reduction in non-target plant-parasitic and foliar nematodes on hosta and turfgrass as well as slowed development of chewing pests and a bacterial pathogen on tomato. This research aims to explore the potential utility of EPN-induced systemic resistance in tobacco and soybeans to reduce incidence of insect pests and pathogens. A field test on tobacco was done to evaluate the effectiveness of the induced resistance against naturally-occurring pests and diseases. In a growth chamber study both tobacco and soybeans were used to evaluate the effect of induced resistance against a chewing pest (Helicoverpa zea). Actigard, a commercially available chemical compound used to induce systemic resistance in plants against bacterial pathogens, was applied as a positive control in the experiments. Results of these studies will be presented and discussed. The long-term goal of this project is to develop EPN-induced systemic resistance as a strategy for integrated pest and disease management in economically important crops.