Nematoides entomopatogênicos e compatibilidade com imidaclopride visando ao controle de Spodoptera frugiperda em viveiro florestal

Abstract

The pathogenicity and virulence of isolates of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) Steinernema and Heterorhabiditis to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Aiming the synergistic use on eucalypt plants in forest nurseries, the viability and infectivity of the most virulent isolates combined with the insecticide imidacloprid were also investigated. This compatibility study was based on the methodology used by Negrisoli et al. (2008) with modifications. All concentrations of the Heterorhabditis isolates used caused mortality, except for the control, and H. amazonensis RSC05 was rated as the most virulent isolate. Moreover, in a general sense, the Heterorhabditis isolates were more virulent than those of Steinernema. Imidacloprid did not affect the viability and infectivity of the NEPs compared with the control treatments without the insecticide.