TABLE CONTENTS

Habitat Quality as a Determinant of Entomopathogenic Nematode
Distribution and Behaviour
Wilson, M.J. (1), S.E. Spiridonov (2), P. Torr (1) & L.M. Kruitbos (1)
(1) Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, AB243UU; (2)
Russian Academy of Sciences, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Leninsky pr. B 33. Moscow,
Russia 119071.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are widely distributed in nature. They are known to
play and important role in regulating soil food-webs and are sold worldwide as biological
control agents for broad range of insect pests. Natural populations of many species show
marked habitat preferences, and this is usually attributed to distributions of susceptible hosts,
although there is little published evidence to support this hypothesis. Here, we argue that
habitat quality may determine natural distribution of EPNs and present laboratory and field
data investigating survival and host finding of two EPN species, Heterorhabditis megidis and
Steinernema carpocapsae in two very different media, sand and peat. In all experiments
using peat S. carpocapsae out performed H. megidis whereas the opposite was true in sand.
Possible reasons for these differences will be discussed.
Diversity and Distribution of EPNs in South America
Dolinski, C. & E.E. Del Valle
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/CCTA/LEF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Pq.
California, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil, 28015-602
South America is a continent covering an area of 17,819,00 sq km, composed of 12 countries
and 3 major territories, with all types of vegetation and climates. In spite of all its richness,
the studies on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are still scarce and limited to few
countries and labs. During our talk will review the history of EPNs in South America, and its
landmarks, from Lauro Travassos to nowadays. We will point out all the surveys promoted in
the continent, the species found, and the new ones described. Also, we will infer about the
morphometric differences in species found in South America compared to the same ones
found in other continents. There is an entire continent to survey and study in front of us, all
we need is talented people to do it. The search for new strains is especially important growers
are willing to use EPNs as biological control agents, since native nematodes are already
adapted to local climate and soil.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 143