Control of sugar cane root-borer [Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.)] white grubs (Phyllophaga smithi)(Arrow.), by an entomogenous nematode (Neoaplectana glaseri) in Barbados, West Indies
1988
Alam, M.M. | Gibbs, I.H. (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Cave Hill (Barbados))
During 1984, an entomogenous nematode, Neoaplectana glaseri, known to attack subterranean insects was obtained from the Orlando laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Florida, for releases against sugar cane root-borer Diaprepes abbreviatus and brown hardback Phyllophaga smithi in Barbados. A laboratory culture of the parasite was successfully established using a number of insect hosts. Of these, the wax moth, Galleria mellonella was found to be the most suitable host. A known number of N. glaseri were applied, under and on sugarcane stumps in the fields known for root-borer damage using a knapsack sprayer or a tractor mounted applicator. Slight reductions in the pest population were generally observed in subsequent evaluations. Grubs of D. abbreviatus and P. smithi collected in the field during recovery surveys were reared in the laboratory to observe parasitic nematode emergence. During 1984, 21 % grubs of Diaprepes and 13.6 % of the Phyllophaga at Newton in Christ Church; and during 1987, 33 % of the grubs of Diaprepes at Vineyard in St. Philip, and 17.6 % of the Phyllophaga at Bourbon in St. Lucy were parasitised. During May 1985, it was noted that the nematode attacks the larvae of Opogona sacchari, a new stalk borer recorded in Barbados. Some 25 % larvae collected in the field were parasitised by the nematode. The recovery of N. glaseri is very encouraging, the parasite appears to be establishing itself in Barbados.
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