Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Control the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle Psylliodes chrysocephala

Abstract

Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) is an important pest of oilseed rape that was controlled by neonicotinoid seed treatments until they were banned for this use in 2013. Since then, CSFB has been a difficult pest to control, partly due to widespread resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. Alternate solutions are necessary. Here, four entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species were tested against CSFB adults under laboratory conditions. In addition, a bioassay was completed to test for EPN compatibility with a range of adjuvants (glycerin, xanthan gum and flame retardant) to protect EPNs from UV radiation and desiccation. Results show that EPNs have the potential to control CSFB adults under laboratory conditions. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora caused 75% CSFB mortality at a concentration of 4000 nematodes/mL after six days, Steinernema feltiae caused 80% CSFB mortality when applied at a concentration of 40,000 nematodes/mL after two days, Steinernema carpocapsae caused 85% mortality at a concentration of 10,000 nematodes/mL after six days, and Steinernema kraussei caused no more than 70% CSFB mortality overall compared to the water control, which led to 23% mortality. Steinernema feltiae and H. bacteriophora survival was 100% when exposed to adjuvants, except S. feltiae with glycerin and H. bacteriophora with flame retardant. Further research to evaluate the efficacy of EPN and adjuvants under field conditions is necessary.