Field Tests of Insect-parasitic Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) Against Larvae of Manure-breeding Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) on Caged-layer Poultry Facilities

Abstract
Insect-parasitic nematodes were tested for control of larvae of muscoid Diptera in chicken manure in the field. Applications of 8–9 million nematodes per square meter showed no reduction of Fannia canicularis (L.), Fannia femoralis (Stein), or Muscina stabulans (Fallén) by Heterorhabditis heliothidis (NC strain) or Steinernema feltiae (Mexican strain). Subsequent tests of S. feltiae (All strain) against larvae of Musca domestica L. failed to demonstrate parasitism or reduction of larval numbers due to the nematodes, even when applied to wet manure with host larvae on the surface. Ineffectiveness of nematodes in this habitat is discussed.