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Host cadavers protect entomopathogenic nematodes during freezing.

Edwin E Lewis1, David I Shapiro-Ilan

  • 1Department of Entomology, Price Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0319, USA. lewise@vt.edu

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|November 6, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae showed varying survival rates when frozen inside hosts. Freezing later in the infection cycle, especially for H. bacteriophora, improved survival and infective juvenile production.

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Area of Science:

  • Nematology
  • Insect Pathology
  • Cryobiology

Background:

  • Entomopathogenic nematodes are crucial biological control agents.
  • Their efficacy can be limited by environmental factors like freezing temperatures.
  • Understanding nematode survival under freezing conditions is vital for optimizing their application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the survival of four entomopathogenic nematode species (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema glaseri, and Steinernema feltiae) when exposed to freezing temperatures within insect cadavers.
  • To determine how the timing and duration of freezing affect nematode survival and infective juvenile (IJ) production.
  • To identify species-specific differences in cold tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • Nematodes were introduced into insect hosts, and cadavers were subjected to freezing at various time points post-infection for 24 hours.

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  • Survival was evaluated by direct observation of nematodes within cadavers and by quantifying emerged IJ.
  • Species-specific survival rates and IJ production following different freezing regimes were compared.

    • Main Results:

    • Infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema carpocapsae and adults of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora exhibited the highest stage-specific survival.
    • Freezing cadavers 2-3 days post-infection resulted in significantly reduced IJ emergence.
    • Freezing between 5-7 days post-infection did not negatively impact IJ production for most species.
    • Heterorhabditis bacteriophora showed no decrease in IJ production after freezing and demonstrated enhanced survival within hosts compared to external conditions.

    Conclusions:

    • The timing of freezing relative to nematode development within the host significantly influences survival and reproductive success.
    • Heterorhabditis bacteriophora displays superior cold tolerance and host-associated survival benefits under freezing conditions.
    • These findings have implications for the storage and application strategies of entomopathogenic nematodes in pest management.