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Efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae as a biological control agent for Ostrinia furnacalis pupae: Effects of distance, developmental stage, and soil depth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2025

Wu Hai Chao ,
Rizhao Chen Open the ORCID record for Rizhao Chen [Opens in a new window] ,
Jamin Ali ,
Sohail Abbas ,
Aleena Alam ,
Chen Ge ,
Geng Meng Chen ,
Ji Yun Liang ,
Arzlan Abbas  and
Feng Xiao
...Show all authors
Wu Hai Chao
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Rizhao Chen*
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Jamin Ali
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Sohail Abbas
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Aleena Alam
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Chen Ge
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Geng Meng Chen
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Ji Yun Liang
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Arzlan Abbas
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Feng Xiao
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Bilal Ahmad
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Huang Jing-Xuan
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Zhao Jian-Ye
Affiliation:
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
Khalid Ali Khan
Affiliation:
Centre of Bee Research and its Products, Research Centre for Advanced Materials Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia Applied College, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Hamed A. Ghramh
Affiliation:
Centre of Bee Research and its Products, Research Centre for Advanced Materials Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
Adil Tonğa
Affiliation:
Entomology Department, Diyarbakır Plant Protection Research Institute, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
*
Corresponding author: Rizhao Chen; Email: rizhaochen@jlau.edu.cn
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Abstract

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest in corn production, and its management remains a significant challenge. Current control methods, which rely heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, are environmentally detrimental and unsustainable, necessitating the development of eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as a biological control agent for O. furnacalis pupae, focusing on its infection efficacy and the factors influencing its performance. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of distance, pupal developmental stage, soil depth, and light conditions on nematode attraction, pupal mortality and sublethal impacts on pupal longevity and oviposition. Results demonstrated that S. carpocapsae exhibited the highest attraction to pupae at a 3 cm distance, with infection declining significantly at greater distances. Younger pupae (<12 h old), were more attractive to nematodes than older pupae, and female pupae were preferred over males. Nematode infection was highest on the head and thorax of pupae, with a significant reduction in infection observed after 24 h. Infection caused 100% mortality in pupae within 2 cm soil depth, though efficacy was reduced under light conditions. Sublethal effects included a significant reduction in the longevity of infected adults and a decrease in the number of eggs laid by infected females compared to controls. These findings underscore the potential of S. carpocapsae as an effective biocontrol agent for sustainable pest management in corn production, offering a viable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Keywords

biological controlentomopathogenic nematodeOstrinia furnacalisSteinernema carpocapsae

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Type
Research Paper
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 115 , Issue 4 , August 2025 , pp. 463 - 471
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© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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Footnotes

†

Authors contributed equally.

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