Capacity of the terrestrial entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema rarum (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) to parasite Culex apicinus larvae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Entomopathogenic nematodes can be considered effective agents for biocontrol of pest insects, resulting innocuous for humans. Larvae of Culex apicinus Philippi were exposed to infective juveniles of Steinernema rarum (OLI strain) under laboratory conditions, testing six doses (1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 100:1, 400:1). An increasing percentage of mosquito larvae mortality was recorded with an increased dose. The highest percentage of mosquito larvae mortality (75%) was obtained with the dose 400:1. This is the first report of parasitism of an isolated of S. rarum from Cordoba against larvae of C. apicinus, with promising results. Therefore, further studies must be carried out to determine if these nematodes would be effective as autochthonous agents for the control of Culex Linnaeus and other mosquitoes of sanitary interest in the country.Original Abstract: Los nematodos entomopatogenos son considerados eficientes agentes de control de insectos plaga e inocuos para los humanos. Larvas de Culex apicinus Philippi fueron expuestas a seis dosis (1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 100:1, 400:1) de juveniles infectivos de Steinernema rarum (aislado OLI). Se registro un incremento en la mortalidad de las larvas del mosquito con el aumento de la dosis del nematodo. El mayor porcentaje de mortalidad de larvas del mosquito (75%) se obtuvo con la dosis 400:1. Este es el primer reporte de parasitismo de un aislado de S. rarum de Cordoba, en larvas de C. apicinus con resultados promisorios. Por lo tanto, se deberia profundizar su estudio para determinar si pueden resultar efectivos como agentes autoctonos para el control biologico de mosquitos Culex Linnaeus, y otros de interes sanitario en el pais.