Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are lethal parasites of insects and are applied for controlling economically important pests. Although usage of these environmentally friendly biopesticides has many advantages, its efficiency in the field depends on various factors, especially on chemical compounds in the soil. These chemicals navigate EPN to find a suitable insect host [1]. Volatiles are emitted by healthy insects as well as by EPN infected cadavers [2]. It was found that insect larvae release different volatile blends depending on the infecting EPN species. 1-Nonene was emitted during any infection tested [3]. In this study we tested the response of EPN Steinernema feltiae to 1-nonene by using a two-choice assay to reveal the possible effect on its behavior. We found that 1-nonene can repel or attract EPN depending on the compound concentration. Thus, 1-nonene plays an essential role in the behavior of the EPN and our results contribute to a better knowledge of the EPN, widely used as a biopesticide.
RESPONSE OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE STEINERNEMA FELTIAE TO 1-NONENE, THE VOLATILE OF INSECT CADAVERS
Deimantė Tiškevičiūtė1, 2, Rasa Čepulytė2, Vincas Būda2
1 Vilnius University, Life Sciences Centre
2 Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Laboratory of Chemical and Behavioral Ecology
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