Potential of four entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys

Abstract: The aim of our study was to established potential entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and determine their effectiveness on the brown marmorated stink bug – Halyomorpha halys – for its control. In experimental trial four entomopathogenic nematodes were used: two of Georgian species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HRB, GEO) and Steinernema borjomiensis; two Italian species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HRB, IT) and Steinernema apuliae. In laboratory assay (22 °C and 80% RH), the mentioned nematodes were used in the following doses: 1:1000, 1:500, 1:200 infective juveniles (IJs) per adult of H. halys. The mortality of tested insects was estimated from the third day after treatment. Significant differences were observed between Georgia and Italian species. HRB (GEO) and S. borjomiensis at the high concentration of 1:1000, mortality achieved 46.6-33.3%, in case of 1:500 – 33.3-32% and in 1:200 – 33.3-13.3% were reached accordingly. More pathogenic were Italian species: HRB(IT) and S. apuliae in high concentration of 1:1000, where mortality was 93.3-53.3%, in case of 1:500 – 93.3-40% and in 1:200 – 73.3-33.2% were observed, respectively. The emerging IJs were harvested and counted throughout the interval of 11-15 days.