Intraspecific variability of Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) as biological control agent of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae [L.], Coleoptera, Curculionidae) adults

Abstract

The efficacy of three strains (B30, B49 in 3162) of Steinernema feltiae to control adults of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) was tested in a laboratory experiment in 2009. The activity of entomopathogenic nematodes was assessed at five different concentrations (125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 infective juveniles/individual) and four different temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30 ?C). Results demonstrated that all strains acted most effective at 25 ?C and at highest concentration of nematode suspension, meanwhile the lowest mortality of rice weevil adults was attained at 30 ?C. The results of our research showed that at high concentrations entomopathogenic nematodes are an effective biological agent for controling the studied primary stored products pest.