ARS | Publication request: The slithering bullet: beneficial nematodes for suppression of peach insect pests

Submitted to: Southeastern Peach Convention Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings/Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: December 6, 2007
Publication Date: January 5, 2008
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Cottrell, T.E., Mizell, R.F., Horton, D.L. 2008. The slithering bullet: beneficial nematodes for suppression of peach insect pests. In: Proceedings of Southeastern Peach Convention, January 11-13, 2008, Savannah, Georgia. p. 16-18.

Interpretive Summary: Plum curculio is a major pest of stone and pome fruits. Stone fruits are also plagued by clear-winged moths such as peachtree borer and lesser peachtree borer. Biological control agents have potential as alternative management tactics for these pests. Soil applications of entomopathogenic (insect-killing) nematodes can control plum curculio larvae, e.g., applications of a nematode called Steinernema riobrave have produced 78-100% suppression. Entomopathogenic nematodes are virulent to both lesser peachtree borer and peachtree borer. Field applications with S. carpocapsae have resulted in 88-100% peachtree borer control. Additional research is required to incorporate these microbial control tactics into IPM programs.

Technical Abstract: Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, is a major pest of stone and pome fruits. Stone fruits are also plagued by clear-winged moths such as peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa) and lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes). Microbial control agents have potential as alternative management tactics for these pests. Soil applications of entomopathogenic nematodes can control plum curculio larvae, e.g., applications of Steinernema riobrave have produced 78-100% suppression. Entomopathogenic nematodes are virulent to both lesser peachtree borer and peachtree borer. Field applications with S. carpocapsae have resulted in 88-100% peachtree borer control. Additional research is required to incorporate these microbial control tactics into IPM programs.