Susceptibility of pink bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) soil associated stages to the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

Soil associated stages, pupae, and last-instar larvae of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (PBW), were evaluated for susceptibility to the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Mexican strain, Kapow selection). Mean mortality responses of PBW larvae entering the soil naturally compared to larvae buried artificially (2.5 cm deep) are 99.5 and 73.4%, respectively, at 15 infective juveniles/larva. The time required for nematode infection of larvae (38.0/cm super(2) soil surface) was 24 h or less. Larval mortality was significantly reduced at 15.6 degree C compared with 21.1, 26.7, and 32.2 degree C. Live nematodes were found in PBW larvae at all temperatures tested except 32.2 degree C. Reproduction of juveniles was evident 3 days after exposure at 26.7 degree C.