Damage caused by the western flower thrips The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are one of the most damaging pests of many crops, ornamental plants, field crops and fruits. Both adults and nymphs of mites feed directly on the young … Continued
Entomopathogenic nematodes
Organic control of dog fleas with Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes
Damage caused by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) Fleas are small wingless insect pests of dogs, cats, humans and rats. Since fleas do not have wings, they can disseminate only by jumping from one host to another host. Fleas use their piercing … Continued
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for control of European chafer beetles
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora are beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes that are effective against European chafer beetles Description European chafer beetles (Rhizotrogus majalis, Order: Coleoptera) are one of the most damaging pest of turfgrasses, horticultural (blueberries and strawberries) and field crops (corn, potatoes and small … Continued
Entomopathogenic nematode papers presented at 6th ICN in Cape Town
Entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological control of different insect pests Entomopathogenic nematodes and their efficacy against different insect pests was one of the most important topics were discussed at the 6th International Congress of Nematology, which was recently held in … Continued
Three serial beneficial nematode applications can control pecan weevils
Beneficial nematodes for control of pecan weevils Pecan weevils are scientifically called as Curculio caryae. Both the adult and larval stages of pecan weevil cause a serious damage to pecan nuts. Adults of pecan weevil generally emerge from soil in … Continued
Twelve Important Facts about Beneficial Entomopathogenic Nematodes
1. What are insect-parasitic/entomopathogenic nematodes? By definition nematodes are thread-like microscopic, colorless and unsegmented round worms found in almost all habitats especially soil and water (Fig. 1). Insect-parasitic nematodes: Nematodes that infect and complete their development, and reproduction at their insect host’s … Continued
Target Japanese beetle larvae with entomopathogenic nematodes in the fall
What are Japanese beetles? As name implies Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica are native to Japan but in the United States, they were first accidentally introduced into New Jersey in 1916. Currently, Japanese beetles have been distributed throughout the United State … Continued
Susceptibility of black cutworms to beneficial nematodes
In my last blog post, I demonstrated the cutworms were susceptible to beneficial entomopathogenic Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes. These results are confirmed by a recent finding of Ebssa and Koppenhofer (2012), who also demonstrated that the Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes were highly effective … Continued
Colorado potato beetles on my organic potato plants
Yesterday (Saturday May 12, 2012), I found a bunch of Colorado potato beetle grubs (also called as larvae) were feeding on all of my four potato plants (Photo 1) that I had planted in December of 2011. This is the first … Continued
Control sod webworms with beneficial nematodes
Sod webworms: One of the most damaging pests of turfgrass foliage How to identify Sod webworms? Full grown larvae/caterpillars of sod webworms are easy to identify as they are about 1 inch long having 4 parallel rows of distinct dark … Continued