TABLE CONTENTS

Status and Future of Insect Control with Entomopathogenic Nematodes in
Western Europe
Ehlers, R-U.
Institute for Phytopathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Dept. Biotechnology & Biol. Control, Hermann-
Rodewald-Str. 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
With accelerated development of insecticide resistance, particularly in greenhouse pests, the
frequency of pesticide application was increased. As a consequence problems with residues
in food produce surpassing the allowed levels occurred and consumers and retailers in Europe
now demand almost residue-free vegetables and fruit. To meet the new standards, growers
have increased the use of biological control agents, among them entomopathogenic
nematodes, which have been the fastest growing market within the microbial segment. In
greenhouse vegetables, thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are controlled with EPN by
application through the drip irrigation and combination with predatory mites (particularly
Amblyseius swirskii) and bugs on the canopy. White flies (Bemisia tabaci) are controlled by
foliar application of EPN in combination with Biorend ® , a chitosan polymer. Besides the use
under controlled environmental conditions, EPN are more often used in outdoor crops, like
codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and flat-headed rootborer (Capnodis tenebrionis). With
growing demand for agricultural products from organic farming and increasing problems
with insecticide efficacy and resistance development, the demand for EPN will constantly
increase in vegetable and fruit production and in the traditional EPN markets in turf,
mushrooms and ornamentals.
Status and Future for Incorporation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in
Temperate Orchard IPM Systems
Shapiro-Ilan, D. (1) & L.A. Lacey (2)
(1) USDA-ARS, SE Fruit & Tree Nut Research Lab, B yron, GA 31008, USA; (2) USDA-ARS, Yakima
Agriculture Research Laboratory, Wapato, WA 98908, USA
Research and commercial application of entomopathogenic nematodes in temperate orchard
systems has a long history. In the pursuit of commercial viability, there have been a number
of success stories, but also quite a number of dead ends. In this presentation, we provide
insight into the current status as well as new opportunities for entomopathogenic nematodes
that are on the horizon. Some novel targets that are currently being researched include a
variety of wood boring insects and weevil pests. Cropping systems that are currently targeted
or may be targeted in the near future include (among others) almond, apple, cherry, citrus,
peach, pear, pistachio, and pecan. The key will be incorporating the nematodes into feasible
IPM strategies. Novel application methods and formulations that are being developed will
facilitate incorporation and expanded use of nematodes as microbial control agents.
Advances in biocontrol using entomopathogenic nematodes will also be enhanced through
fundamental studies on the microbial ecology, epizootiology, and population dynamics of
insect pathogens in orchard systems as well as basic studies on host-pathogen relationships.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 26