Field Tests of Antidesiccants to Extend the Infection Period of an Entomogenous Nematode, Neoaplectana carpocapsae, Against the Colorado Potato Beetle12

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Abstract
Field tests were conducted in Fort Collins, Colo., to determine the value of various commercially available antidesiccants for protection of infectious dauerlarvae of an entomogenous nematode, Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser, after application. The aqueous formulations containing inert thickeners and surfactants were sprayed on potato foliage infested with larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). The formulations tested included various concentrations and mixtures of Methocel™, Folicote™, Norbak™, and Nalcotrol™. All formulations tested retarded desiccation and increased retention of nematodes on leaf surfaces, yielding infection rates of 30 to 60%. Nematodes sprayed in water suspensions under similar conditions produced infection rates of 10%. Also, comparison of morning and evening nematode applications demonstrated that applications made during the evening hours produce higher infection levels than those made during the morning.