Laboratory and field investigations using indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of Plutella xylostella in Kenya
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Date
2008-12Author
Nyasani, Johnson
Kimenju, John, O.
Olubayo, Florence
Wilson, Michael
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study was undertaken to determine the potential utility of entomopathogenic nematodes for management of
diamondback moth (DBM) larvae in Kenya. Five Kenyan EPN isolates, Heterorhabditis indica, Steinernema karii,
Steinernema weiseri, Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis taysearae were tested for their ability to penetrate DBM
and their speed of kill (LT50). Heterorhabditis indica and S. weiseri were found to have the quickest rate of kill and
S. weiseri was found to have the largest proportion of nematodes penetrating. Three of the isolates, Steinernema sp.
(95), S. weiseri and H. indica, were used in a field experiment to test their ability to reduce DBM populations and
damage to kale. All three nematodes caused significant reductions in populations of DBM and DBM damage, with
the population reductions being similar to those caused by application of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki. This
study shows that EPNs have great potential that should be exploited in the management of DBM in Kenya.
Citation
International Journal of Pest Management Vol. 54, No. 4, October–December 2008, 355–361Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi
Subject
Diamond back mothPlutella xylostella
Entomopathogenic nematodes
Steinernema
Heterorhabditis
Biological control
Description
Journal article