TABLE CONTENTS

Stability Issues: Maintenance of Beneficial Traits in Entomopathogenic
Nematodes
Shapiro-Ilan, D. (1), R. Gaugler (2) & B. Adams (3)
(1) USDA-ARS, SE Fruit and Tree Nut Research Lab, Byron, GA 31008; (2) Center for Vector Biology,
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; (3) Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology,
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
A number of beneficial traits such as virulence, reproductive potential, and environmental
tolerance are key factors in determining an organism’s ability to produce high levels of
efficacy in biological control. Deterioration or loss of beneficial traits during laboratory or
industrial culture production is detrimental to biocontrol efficacy. During in vivo production,
both partners in the nematode-bacterium complex can undergo change, which contributes to
reduction in beneficial traits. The nematode’s bacterial symbiont also deteriorates when
repeatedly cultured in vitro. Changes in nematode beneficial traits may be due to genetic or
non-genetic (e.g. nutritional) causes. Methods to deter trait deterioration include maintenance
or improvement of media, creation of selected inbred lines, or improved cryopreservation
techniques.
Mass Production of the Rhabditid Slug Parasite Phasmarhabditis
hermaphrodita
Wilson M.J. (1), J.L. Ross (1), G.I. Nicol (1) & J.D. Pearce (2)
(1) Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, AB243UU; (2)
Becker Underwood, Harwood Industrial Estate, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7AU, U.K.
The rhabditid nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a slug parasitic nematode that is
sold in several European countries as a biological control agent for slugs under the tradename
Nemaslug®. Mass production is achieved using fermenter technology developed for
entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). However, the biology of P. hermaphrodita is very
different from EPNs posing some challenges for mass production. We review the biology of
P. hermaphrodita, its various life-cycles and its relationship with bacteria and discuss the
challenges posed in mass-production and possible solutions.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 167