Search Results (53)

The current model of agricultural development, largely focused on the intensification of production, causes increased pressure on the natural environment and, at the same time, does not guarantee sufficient food supplies in the era of global demographic expansion. In light of current environmental changes and the escalating food shortage, the modern agricultural paradigm must strive to achieve a balance between productivity and the quality of agricultural products produced within an environmentally responsible production system. A promising and sustainable tool for future agriculture is a biorational model of agricultural production based, among other things, on the biological protection of agricultural products. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of biological control agents containing entomopathogenic nematodes in controlling pests from the class Gastropoda. The tests showed that these preparations inhibited the feeding intensity of the analyzed pests. Among the insecticidal nematodes, the biological product containing S. carpocapsae at doses of 2000 and 4000 LJ/m² demonstrated the highest effectiveness (mass loss: A. distinctus: 0.61 g, 0.58 g; D. reticulatum: 0.60, 0.71 g). The research conducted indicates that preparations containing entomopathogenic nematodes have the potential to reduce damage caused by slugs in crops. Full article

Between 2023 and 2025, we conducted experiments at the Laboratory Field of the Bio-technical Faculty in Ljubljana to study alternative methods for controlling wireworms in potato fields. The trials were arranged in three blocks with five first-order (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Nemakil 330, Rasti Soil Tonic G, positive control) and five second-order treatments (entomopathogenic nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi, zeolite combined with half-doses of these products, positive control with tefluthrin, and negative control), giving twenty-five treatments per block. Foliar pests and diseases were managed with contact plant protection products. We measured total tuber yield and divided it into three size classes, then assessed wireworm damage (holes per tuber). The purpose of the soil excavations in the first-order treatments was to verify the abundance of wireworms in the soil. Most combinations reduced wireworm abundance. The lowest tuber damage comparable to the positive control occurred when using zeolite with half-doses of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi. The highest yields across all three weather-distinct years resulted from combining Rasti Soil Tonic with zeolite and half-dose entomopathogenic products. Although Nemakil 330 increased soil phosphorus, it neither improved yield nor reduced wireworm damage. Overall, the tested environmentally acceptable methods show promising insecticidal potential for sustainable wireworm control in potatoes. Full article

As a staple food, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae) is one of the most produced food crops to ensure food security. The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major pest of potato, damaging both the growing and storage processes. In recent years, green pest control strategies have been gaining importance to reduce the adverse effects of chemicals and protect the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) have been one of the top topics studied in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the two most common EPN species, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and their bacterial associates, Xenorhabdus bovienii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii were evaluated against PTM larvae separately and in combination with spinosad. The survival rates of infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs were over 92% after 72 h of direct exposure to spinosad. Co-application of EPNs and bioactive compounds (BACs) of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad induced synergistic interactions and achieved the maximum mortality (100%) in PTM larvae 48 h post-treatment. Spinosad and BAC combinations were highly efficient in controlling the PTM larvae and provided LT₅₀ values below 23.0 h. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 29 compounds in total, 20 of which belonged to P. luminescens subsp. kayaii. The results indicate that the integration of EPNs and BACs of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad presents a synergistic interaction and enhances pest control efficacy. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most widespread and destructive phytophagous mite species, occurring across all climatic zones worldwide. Currently, the control of spider mites in crop protection relies primarily on chemical acaricides. However, the selection of resistant populations to their active ingredients is reducing their efficacy. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of T. urticae to a native isolate of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev ZWO21, under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted using Petri dishes, each containing 22–28 adult T. urticae. Infective juveniles (IJs) of the nematodes were then applied at a dose of 8000 IJs per dish (±300 IJs per mite). Petri dishes with mites treated with nematodes were placed in a Sanyo incubation chamber at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. After three days, dead mites were collected from the Petri dishes and dissected, and mortality was subsequently determined. The present study confirmed that the S. feltiae ZWO21 isolate exhibited considerable potential for the biological control of T. urticae, causing 37.5–83.3% (mean 57.0%) mortality in this pest species. Although this result indicates a moderate efficacy when nematodes are applied alone, it also underscores the relevance of further research into their integration with other control strategies, including acaricides, within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Full article

Cockroaches, particularly the German cockroach (Blattella germanica Linnaeus, Blattodea: Ectobiidae) and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus), Blattodea: Blattidae), are major public health pests due to their ability to transmit pathogens and develop resistance to chemical insecticides, including synthetic pyrethroids, which are widely used worldwide. Given the increasing resistance, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have emerged as a potential biological control alternative. This study evaluates the efficacy of three EPN species, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser), S. feltiae (Filipjev), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, against B. germanica and P. americana collected from different regions of Antalya, Türkiye. Laboratory bioassays were conducted under controlled conditions, testing five EPN concentrations (100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 IJs/mL). The results showed that S. carpocapsae was the most effective, causing mortality rates of 46.7% to 100% in adult German cockroaches and 20% to 66.7% in nymphs, while S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora exhibited lower efficacy. American cockroaches showed higher resistance, with S. carpocapsae achieving a maximum mortality of 33.3% at the highest concentration, whereas S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora had no significant lethal effect. These findings suggest that S. carpocapsae could be a promising biological control agent for B. germanica, particularly in pyrethroid-resistant populations. Full article

The increasing environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides underscore the need for sustainable alternatives in pest management. This study investigates the chemotactic responses of five nematode species—Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, Phasmarhabditis papillosa, and Oscheius myriophilus—to three major cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabidiol (CBD). Using a standardized chemotaxis assay, we quantified infective juvenile movement and calculated Chemotaxis Index (CI) values across varying cannabinoid concentrations. Our results revealed strong species-specific and dose-dependent responses. THC and CBG elicited significant attractant effects in P. papillosa, S. feltiae, and H. bacteriophora, with CI values ≥ 0.2, indicating their potential as behavioral modulators. In contrast, CBD had weaker or repellent effects, particularly at higher concentrations. O. myriophilus exhibited no consistent response, underscoring species-specific variation in chemosensory sensitivity. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of cannabinoids, especially THC and CBG, as biocompatible cues to enhance the efficacy of nematode-based biological control agents in integrated pest management (IPM). Further field-based studies are recommended to validate these results under realistic agricultural conditions. Full article

Commercial production of the button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach, is threatened by various pests and mycopathogenic microorganisms. Sciarid flies (Sciaridae) of the genus Lycoriella are considered as major pests, while major pathogens include the fungi Lecanicillium fungicola (Preuss), Zare and Gams, Hypomyces perniciosus Magnus, Cladobotryum spp., and Trichoderma aggressivum Samuels & W. Gams, the causative agents of dry bubble, wet bubble, cobweb, and green mold diseases, respectively. Control of mushroom pests and diseases has long relied on synthetic chemical pesticides. Pesticide resistance and various health and environmental issues have created a need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides for mushroom pest and disease control. The concept of bioprotection, which involves using biological control agents (BCAs) and biopesticide products, offers a viable alternative. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) and predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) are the most important invertebrate BCAs, while the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. velezensis stand out as the most widely used microbial BCAs/biopesticides. Azadirachtin- and pyrethrum-based products are the most important biochemical biopesticides. Bioprotection agents require inclusion in the integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) programs in order to achieve their full effectiveness. Full article

Dissolved biochar (DBC) can make a significantly impact on soil ecosystems and the associated biota due to its high environmental bioavailability. However, the impact of DBC on the adaptability of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), such as Steinernema feltiae, remains uncertain. This study investigates the impact of DBC on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, virulence, and gene expression in EPNs through culture assays and RNA-seq analysis. Results showed that DBC exposure significantly increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The nematodes treated with DBC700 exhibited 64.34% higher ROS levels, while those treated with DBC400 had 51.13% higher levels compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly suppressed, with a stronger inhibition observed in the DBC700 group. As revealed by virulence assays, DBC treatment reduced the infectivity of EPNs against Galleria mellonella larvae. Transcriptome analysis revealed that DBC primarily affected oxidative stress response, membrane transport, and longevity regulation pathways. Moreover, DBC400 predominantly inhibited carbohydrate metabolism, whereas DBC700 significantly impacted oxidative metabolism, protein processing, and neuronal signaling pathways, suggesting the presence of distinct metabolic adaptation mechanisms between the two DBCs. Overall, this study suggests that DBC may impair the biocontrol efficacy of S. feltiae through oxidative stress and genetic perturbations, providing new insights into its long-term ecological impacts on soil ecosystems. Full article

The efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, for controlling Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae, Pergande, 1895) in nectarine orchards, was evaluated, alongside their potential impact on honeybees (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera: Apidae, Linnaeus, 1785). Field trials revealed that S. feltiae significantly reduced thrips populations and fruit damage compared to the control, while H. bacteriophora showed no significant effect. The reduction in feeding scars on fruits from S. feltiae–treated trees underscores its potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent. However, laboratory bioassays indicated that another EPN, Steinernema carpocapsae, induced delayed mortality in honeybees under high-exposure conditions, pinpointing the need for careful application to minimize risks to pollinators. These findings demonstrate the potential of S. feltiae for integrated pest management (IPM) in nectarine cultivation while emphasizing the importance of species-specific selection and pollinator safety. Future research should focus on optimizing application methods, understanding environmental influences on EPN efficacy, and assessing long-term impacts on pollinator health to ensure sustainable pest management practices. Full article

Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) is a major pest in mushroom facilities in Serbia and worldwide. The study aimed to determine the virulence (in vitro) and effectiveness (in vivo) of three Serbian native populations of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev), P9, K2, and ZŠT, compared to a commercial population of S. feltiae against L. ingenua, and their impact on mushroom yield. In vitro bioassays showed that seven days after exposure to a series of nematode suspensions (IJ cm⁻²), two of the three native (P9 and K2) populations and the commercial population of S. feltiae caused significant mortality of L₄ instar larvae of L. ingenua. The following LC_50s were estimated: 18.47, 15.77, and 11.48 IJ cm⁻² for P9, K2, and the commercial populations, respectively. These populations were further used for in vivo bioassays, where their IJs were applied as drench treatment twice (at the rate of 75 IJ cm⁻²) during casing time and seven days later. Control of L. ingenua larvae with the commercial population of S. feltiae was 85%, while the effectiveness of the native populations was 70%. The lack of adequate pest control measures emphasizes a need to promote local EPNs as biologically based and ecotoxicologically safe products. Full article

The substrate for button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation includes a highly complex microbiome. The aim of the study was to evaluate ecological interactions (synergistic, antagonistic, or additive) between a commercial population of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (EPN) and beneficial microorganisms, bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-241 (BA) or actinobacterium Streptomyces flavovirens A06 (SF). Their relationships were evaluated in efficacy against the pathogenic fungus Trichoderma aggressivum and the fungus gnat Lycoriella ingenua. Moreover, their impact on mushroom yield was estimated. The synergy factor was calculated as the ratio of observed to expected values regarding their efficacy against T. aggressivum/L. ingenua and influence on mushroom production. Additive relationships in efficacy against T. aggressivum were observed between EPN and BA or SF. As for the impact on yield, synergistic interactions were indicated between each beneficial microorganism and EPN. Considering suppression of L. ingenua, a mild antagonistic reaction between EPN and each beneficial microorganism was observed in plots without T. aggressivum and additive in plots inoculated with the pathogenic fungus, although high efficacy was achieved in all combinations (>80%). Tested native strains of both beneficial microorganisms could be combined with the commercial EPN strain for successful biological pest and disease control in mushroom production. Full article

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles of less than 5 mm, pose a significant global environmental threat, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, due to their persistence and potential harmful effects on wildlife and human health. They can absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs), like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), raising concerns about their impact on biota. To elucidate this impact, the present study employed attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to analyse the characteristics of MPs sourced from commercial cosmetics. We investigated the toxicity of MPs on Caenorhabditis elegans and two entomopathogenic nematode species, Steinernema feltiae (the enviroCORE strain SB12(1)) and Steinernema carpocapsae (a commercial strain from e-NEMA) in laboratory bioassays. Nematodes were exposed to various concentrations of MPs and other pollutants, including atrazine, 1,3-dichloropropene, naphthalene, and fluorene, in controlled settings over 72 to 96 h. Additionally, high-throughput 18S rDNA sequencing was used to analyse nematode biodiversity in sediments from the River Barrow (RB) in SE Ireland. Our findings revealed that MPs increased nematode mortality and adversely affected community structure, as indicated by nematode maturity and sigma maturity indices, suggesting a potential disruption of the ecological balance in river sediments. This highlighted the ecological risks posed by MP pollution and emphasised the urgent need for further research into the health of benthic ecosystems in Ireland, particularly in relation to how MPs may influence nematode community dynamics and biodiversity. Full article

In the veterinary field, particularly in the poultry farming sector, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a significant pest that causes economic losses and acts as a vector for various pathogens. This study is the first to evaluate the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, 1934 against both the larval (fifth instar) and imago (adult) of A. diaperinus from various Turkish populations. The insects were collected from six poultry farms in the provinces of Balikesir, Bolu, Canakkale, Manisa, and Izmir in Türkiye, bred, and then tested at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 infective juveniles (IJs) per milliliter. Mortality was monitored over a five-day period. The findings revealed that larvae were much more susceptible to S. feltiae nematodes compared to adults, with LC₅₀ values of larvae ranging from 33.17 to 83.12 IJs/mL. The Manisa population was the most susceptible, while the Izmir population was the most resistant. These results suggest that S. feltiae could be an effective biological control agent for managing A. diaperinus in Turkish poultry farms, reducing the reliance on chemical insecticides. Full article

The Mediterranean Corn Borer (MCB), Sesamia nonagrioides, poses a significant threat to maize crops, necessitating effective pest management strategies. This study investigates the compatibility of two entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolates, Steinernema feltiae KV6 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora EO7, with four registered insecticides for MCB control: deltamethrin, flubendiamide, spinetoram, and betacyfluthrin. The impact of these insecticides on EPN mortality, infectivity, and reproduction was assessed. Results indicate that deltamethrin exhibits the lowest toxicity to EPNs, with mortality rates of 1.3% for S. feltiae and 0.63% for H. bacteriophora at field dose (FD) after 24 h and 4.63% and 1.96%, respectively, after 48 h. In contrast, betacyfluthrin showed higher toxicity, with mortality rates of 38.04% and 14.17% for S. feltiae at 2FD and FD after 48 h. The infectivity assays demonstrated that deltamethrin-treated EPNs caused up to 100% mortality in MCB larvae, while the reproduction capacity varied significantly between the EPN species and insecticides. H. bacteriophora exhibited higher progeny production, especially in the presence of deltamethrin (87,900 IJs/larva). The findings suggest that integrating EPNs with selective insecticides like deltamethrin can enhance pest control efficacy and support sustainable agricultural practices. This study provides valuable insights for developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies aimed at mitigating MCB infestations in maize while minimizing environmental impacts. Full article

Thrips biocontrol research in greenhouse crops has focused primarily on western flower thrips (WFT; Frankliniella occidentalis). However, recent outbreaks of onion thrips (OT; Thrips tabaci) in Ontario, Canada, demonstrate that biocontrol-based IPM programs for WFT do not control OT sufficiently to prevent crop losses. A lack of comparative studies makes it difficult to determine which program components for WFT are failing for OT. We conducted several laboratory trials examining the extent to which commercial biocontrol products kill OT compared to WFT. These included phytoseiid mites (Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblydromalus limonicus, Iphiseius degenerans), a large generalist predator (Orius insidiosus), an entomopathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana strain GHA), and entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora). In no-choice trials, A. swirskii and O. insidiosus consumed more OT than WFT (first instars and adults, respectively). In choice trials, A. swirskii, N. cucumeris, and O. insidiosus consumed more OT than WFT. Steinernema feltiae caused higher mortality in OT than WFT. There was no difference in mortality between thrips species exposed to other biocontrol agents. This suggests available tools have the potential to manage OT as well as WFT. Possible explanations why this potential is not realized in commercial settings are explored. Full article