Combined effect of entomopathogenic nematodes and biopesticides to control the greasy cut worm, Agrotis ipsilion (Hufn.) in the strawberry fields

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Plant protection Research Institute (PPRI), ARC, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

2 Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams Univ., Egypt

Abstract

Laboratory and field tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of the beneficial nematodes and two biopesticides when used alone or in combination against the greasy cut worm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) in infested strawberry field as a new approach of integrated pest management (IPM). Under laboratory conditions, larvae and pupae of A. ipsilon were highly susceptible to the two nematode species, Steinernema carpocapsal (Sc) and Heterorahabditis bacteriophora (Hb) when used separately and the percentage mortality increase with increase the dose of nematodes. The concentration of 100 IJs was more effective than 25 IJs for both of the two species of nematodes used. The two biopesticides: spinosad and proclaim were more effective than nematodes when used separately, spinosad was more significant effective than proclaim. Mixing of nematodes and both spinosad and proclaim increased efficacy and significance of mixtures under the laboratory and field conditions , while the effects of nematodes and biopesticides when used  alone or mixed in the laboratory was higher than in the field.

Keywords