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RhabditidaThe Steinermatid & Heterorhabditid NematodesThe life cycle of the rhabditoid nematodes involves an immature infective form, the third stage “dauer” larva or “infective juvenile (IJ)”. Upon entry into the host hemocoel, the IJs release a mutualistic bacterium,; Xenorhabdus spp. are released by Steinernema spp. nematodes and Photorhabdus spp. are released by Heterorhabditis spp. The bacteria reproduce in the host hemolymph, killing the host via bacterial septicemia. The nematodes feed on the proliferating bacteria and metabolized host tissues, mature and molt to the adult stage, mate and oviposit. Some are ovoviparous. Depending on the size of the host, one or more generations may develop before egress. Steinernematid and heterhorhabiditid nematodes have been successfully used as ‘microbial insecticides’ in systems where the target host is cryptic and there are moist environmental conditions such as soil, manure, aquatic habitats and foliage. Examples include ground sprays for scarab beetle larvae in pastures, for root feeding weevils in citrus, and sprays for some cryptic plant infesting pests. An excellent reference for information on use of nematodes in biological control is Koppenhöfer, 2000. |
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