Evaluation of the effects of some insecticides based on neonicotinoids on entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae

Abstract

Used of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are one biological control way against some insect pests, which especially pass one stage of their life in the soil. There have been a lot of developments and new discoveries in the field of entomopathogenic nematology. In spite of developments in the field of biological control, pesticides are still widely used for plant protection. These pesticides have side effects on soil biotop such as EPN species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two insecticides (acetamiprid and imidacloprid) belong to neonicotinoid group on two EPNs (Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae). The present experiments were carried out in the laboratory. Mortality rate of the EPN species was performed at 24, 48 and 96 h, after treatment. Inspired by the compatibility observed between the neonicotinoid insecticides and EPNs against insect pest larvae, it was evaluated the direct effects of those insecticides on EPNs. Our results showed less mortality by imidacloprid and mortality rates are a little higher by acetamiprid. These results confirm the high compatibility of imidacloprid with EPNs and the low synergism with acetamiprid. Despite their effects on pollinators and other useful organisms of the biotop, these insecticides can be used effectively against soil dwelling insect pests without high risk on EPNs.