Compatibility of Heterorhabditis amazonensis MC01 (Nematoda: rhabditida) with fertilizers and soil conditioners

Entomopathogenic nematodes are natural enemies of insect pests present in the soil; however, the intensive use of agricultural inputs can affect the action of these organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure of the nematode Heterorhabditis amazonensis MC01 to soil fertilizers containing different active ingredient, verifying their influence in the viability, infectivity and nematode production in Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. Nine products were tested, including fertilizers and soil conditioners, using the adapted IOBC/WPRS protocol. The infective juveniles were exposed to the highest concentration recommended by the manufacturer of each product for a period of 48 h. After this period, the viability, infectivity and production were evaluated and the values of mortality, infectivity reduction, production reduction and insecticide effect were obtained in order to classify the products according to IOBC criteria. In this way, the nematode H. amazonensis MC01 was compatible with most of the products under the tested conditions, so could be present in the soil at the same time. However, the product Nutriterge® Formula 3 was considered slightly harmful and Nem out® considered harmful. However, further field tests should be performed with these products to prove the deleterious effect on the nematode tested.