Use of a trickle irrigation system to distribute entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) for the control of weevil pests (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of strawberries

Abstract

An established trickle irrigation system was used to distribute entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of Otiorhynchus sulcatus and Phlyctinus callosus in a commercial strawberry planting. This technique facilitated the rapid distribution of the nematodes to strawberry plants grown under plastic mulch. Variation in the distribution of nematodes was observed, both within the treatment area and on the soil surface immediately after application. Four weeks after the application of 48 000 and 80 000 infective stage Heterorhabditis heliothidis per plant, weevil survival (mean number of live larvae and pupae) was reduced by 59% and 25% compared with untreated plants.