Effect of Temperature on Nematode (Steinernema feltiae [Nematoda: Steinernematidae]) Treatment of Soil for Control of Lesser Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Turkey Houses

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Abstract
Infective juveniles of Steinernema feltiae (All strain) were applied (108 per m2) to the soil floors of two turkey houses with small populations of lesser mealworm, Alphitohius diaperinus (Panzer); a third house was left untreated. The overall mean air temperature during the 9 wk after treatment was 26.4. Soil bioassays indicated that nematodes were present in treated soil at 3 wk but not at 5, 7, or 9 wk after treatment Larval or adult beetle population densities in the treated houses did not differ significantly compared with the control house. When nematodes were applied to soil and then assayed for survival after being held in the laboratory at four different temperatures, none survived beyond 2 wk after treatment in soil held at temperatures >24. Nematodes were still detected at 9 wk after treatment in soil held at 20 and 24.

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