The malacopathogenic nematode Phasmarhabditis californica does not affect the survival of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia fetida) or insects (Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor). Issue 6 (3rd June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cutler, James; Rae, Robbie
• Is Part Of: Biocontrol science and technology. Volume 32:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 765
• Page End: 770
• Publication Date: 2022-06-03
• Subjects: Phasmarhabditis californica -- Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita -- Lumbricus terrestris -- Eisenia hortensis -- slugs -- biological control; Pests -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Weeds -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; Plants -- Biological control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Pest Control, Biological -- Periodicals; 632.96
• DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2021.2016627
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-3157

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is a parasitic nematode of terrestrial gastropods that has been formulated into a successful biological control agent used on farms and gardens across Europe. There are reports of members of the Phasmarhabditis genus affecting the survival of non-target organisms under lab conditions e.g. earthworms. Therefore, we exposed two species of earthworm ( Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia hortensis ) and insect ( Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor ) to a range of doses of P. californica (0, 30 and 150 nematodes per cm 2 ). P. californica did not affect earthworm or insect survival emphasising these nematodes are gastropod parasites that pose no risk to earthworms or insects (based on laboratory trials).