Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes combined with insecticides against Bradysia odoriphaga larvae

What is it about?

Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) is one of the important biological agents to control plant root insects, such as chive root gnat, one important pest in Chinese chive, garlic, shallot and mushrooms, etc. It is well known EPN-insecticide combination can increase the control efficacy against pests but depending on the types and doses of EPN or insecticides as well as pest types. Less is known about how EPN-insecticide combination affect chive root gnat. Therefore, this study demonstrated that low doses of EPN-insecticide combination dramatically increased control efficacy against chive root gnat. For the first time, Pluronic gel F-127 was used to study EPN behaviours in combination with insecticide application which allow direct observation in real time. In the presence of insecticides, EPN response was stimulated and speed up the host-seeking and host penetrating ability. These studies will help gain more understanding about the interactions among EPN, insecticide, pest and environments and will make more efficient pest control strategies.

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