Testing local isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes against the green stink bug Nezara viridula L.

Abstract

Aim of study: The green vegetable bug Nezara viridula L. is a polyphage that is spread all over the world, but in the last 10 years it has entered the territory of the Russian Federation. The use of biological protection against this pest is an important task in the country. We used the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae to control N. viridula. Area of study: Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP), Krasnodar Krai, Russia, 2019-2020. Material and methods: A laboratory test was carried out with adults and nymphs of N. viridula. Each species of EPN (S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae) was used at doses of 50, 75 and 100 individuals infective larvae per insect. The initial material for analysis was collected on soybean crops in the crop rotation of the FRCBPP. The experimental results were assessed using ANOVA. Main results: Laboratory tests of the EPN S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae caused the death of up to 98.0% of nymphs and up to 91.4% of adults of N. viridula. The species S. feltiae turned out to be the most effective, as allowed the pathogen to develop in shorter periods of time, and caused the death of 81.9-91.4% adults and of 92.0-98.0% nymphs. Research highlights: This study showed that during the period of growth and development of larvae, the use of EPN is more effective in nymphs than on adults.