TABLE CONTENTS

South African apple and pear orchards. This study included a survey conducted throughout
different habitats in South Africa, with the purpose of isolating endemic EPN isolates from
soils. Nematodes obtained from the survey were identified to the species level using
molecular techniques. The most promising isolate was selected and assessed in the
laboratory for efficacy and morphological suitability for infection of codling moth larvae
under different laboratory conditions such as temperature, humidity and nematode
concentration. Quantitative spray-deposition assessements were carried out in the field by
adding Yellow Fluorescent Pigment® to selected adjuvants and water containing nematodes
which was then sprayed onto the bark of trees to determine and visualize actual sprayquantaties
penetrating the cryptic habitats where codling moth larvae diapause during winter
periods. Overall field-performance was also evaluated by testing the selected isolate in the
field at different concentrations. The conclusive possibility of using EPNs as part of an IPM
approach to codling moth control in South African orchards will be discussed.
Efficacy of Heterorhabditis baujardi LPP7 (Nematoda: Rhabditida) applied
in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Insect Cadavers to
Conotrachelus psidii, (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae
Del Valle, E.E., C. Dolinski, E. Barreto, R. Souza &. R.I. Samuels
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/CCTA/LEF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Pq.
California, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil, 28015-602
The guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii, is a major pest of guava in Brazil causing severe
reduction in fruit quality. We assessed its susceptibility to Heterhorhabditis baujardi LPP7
infective juveniles (IJs) in the greenhouse and under field conditions applying the nematodes
in cadavers of 7 th instar Galleria mellonella larvae Field persistence of these nematodes in
the soil was evaluated through G. mellonella-baiting. Insect cadaver concentrations of 2, 4,
and 6 applied in pots in the greenhouse experiment caused significant mortality compared to
the control. Significance differences were observed in the field between control and
treatments only when 6 cadavers per 0.25 m 2 were applied. Infective juveniles from the
cadavers persisted 6 weeks after application in the field, but decreased greatly thereafter. Our
work demonstrates that H. baujardi LPP7 IJs emerging from G. mellonella cadavers can be
efficacious against guava weevil fourth instar larvae. Also, we demonstrated the long term
persistence of IJs in the soil.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 220