Comparative infectivity and biocontrol potential of Acrobeloides k29 and entomopathogenic nematodes on the leopard moth borer, Zeuzera pyrina

摘要: Abstract The leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a serious pest of walnut trees in Iran. Due to special habitat this cossid, the application entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) may offer an efficient strategy suppressing populations pest. efficacy two commercially available EPNs Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, as well local insect-killing nematode (Acrobeloides K29) were investigated against Z. larvae laboratory, semi-field, field conditions. Laboratory experiments included pathogenicity assessment aforementioned plates using range concentrations [5, 10, 20, 50 100 infective juveniles (IJs) per larva], evaluation their reproduction potential on with 5 20 IJs larva. Application increasing induced higher mortality mean ranging from 28.3% 100% after 72 h. All three successfully reproduced recovered pest’s cadavers. highest was recorded for H. bacteriophora at larva−1 pyrina. Semi–field potted seedlings trials heavily infested orchard during consecutive years revealed ability infect kill inside galleries branches. Overall, research highlights all examined find, invade, recycle effectively larvae; however, S. comparatively more effective than Acrobeloides K29 under semi–field Of significance, free-living causes high moderate levels laboratory natural