Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser), against fern scale Pinnaspis aspidistrae Sign

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the biological control effect of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae on fern scale Pinnaspis aspidistrae under laboratory conditions. The experiments were conducted in 10 cm Petri dishes lined with a moistened filter paper. One infested Laurel (Laurus nobilis) leaf containing approximately 100-120 P. aspidistrae adult and 500, 1000 and 1500 infective juveniles/ml nematode placed in each Petri dish. Insect mortality was checked 3, 5 and 7 days after the treatment. The results showed that S. carpocapsae (Weiser), was highly virulent against P. aspidistrae adult and the mortality was related with time and nematode concentrations. At 7 days after treatment, 500, 1000 and 1500 IJs/ml applications exhibited 22, 62 and 82% mortality, respectively. It was concluded that P. aspidistrae adult can be controlled by S. carpocapsae (Weiser). Further studies should be conducted in greenhouse and filed conditions to expand on this knowledge.