TABLE CONTENTS

Field Studies using in vitro Produced Pasteuria Endospores to Control Sting
Nematodes on Turf
Hewlett, T.E. (1), J.P. Waters (1), J.E. Luc (2) & W.T. Crow (2)
(1) Pasteuria Bioscience Inc., 12085 Research Drive Suite 185, Alachua Florida 32615; (2) Entomology and
Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
The sting nematode, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, causes extensive damage to turf on golf
course and athletic fields. The few remaining nematicides used to control this problem are
heavily restricted in their use and expensive. Pasteuria species parasitizing B. longicaudatus
have been observed in most of the Southeastern United States and undoubtedly are ubiquitous
parasites of this nematode. Studies have demonstrated that high soil densities of Pasteuria
endospores in the soil can suppress sting nematode populations. In vitro produced Pasteuria
sp. endospores, cultured from infected B. longicaudatus, were tested for efficacy against sting
nematodes in field tests. The objectives of these experiments were to determine the time of
year, formulation and rate of application necessary to give the optimum control of sting
nematode on turf. Seven sites were chosen on golf courses and athletic fields located in south
and central Florida. Time of application was November when sting nematode populations
begin to increase. Rates of applications included 5 x10 10 ; 2.5 x 10 9 ; 5x10 9 ; or 0 endospores
applied to 1.5- m 2 plots, replicated 5 times. Soil samples were taken at 15 days after treatment
and at three 30-day intervals thereafter. Data collected included number of sting nematodes
alive and dead and percent of nematodes encumbered with Pasteuria endospores in 100cm 3
of soil, turf health, and root growth. The initial 15 day soil sample data showed a significant
(P