Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/7770
Title: Dispersal patterns and behaviour of the nematode 'Phasmarhabditis hermaphroditain' mineral soils and organic media
Contributor(s): MacMillan, Keith (author); Haukeland, Solveig (author); Rae, Robbie (author); Young, Iain  (author); Crawford, John (author); Hapca, Simona (author); Wilson, Michael (author)
Publication Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.04.007
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/7770
Abstract: The commercially available parasitic nematode 'Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita' is an effective biocontrol agent for slugs and particularly 'Deroceras reticulatum', a widespread pest species. Use of the nematode is currently limited by cost and it may be that by developing a fuller understanding of the ecology and behaviour of this nematode, more cost effective application strategies can be developed. We investigated the ability of two strains of 'P. hermaphrodita' (one newly isolated and one that had been maintained in vitro for >15 years) to move through mineral soils and organic media. Active dispersal of both strains was found to be greatest in organic media (bark chips and leaf litter, and to a lesser extent peat) and the nematode was capable of growth and reproduction in leaf litter. Conversely, active dispersal was poor in mineral soils. Nematodes moved further in a clay loam compared with a sandy loam, and moved more at a bulk density of 1.0 vs. 1.2 Mg m⁻³. However, 'P. hermaphrodita' was capable of moving greater distances in mineral soils by using the earthworm 'Lumbricus terrestris' as a phoretic host. Our data suggest that 'P. hermaphrodita' is a facultative parasite that is adapted to living in leaf litter and organic material where slugs frequently rest. The implications of these findings for using the nematode as a biological control agent for slugs are discussed.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 41(7), p. 1483-1490
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Place of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 1879-3428
0038-0717
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 050399 Soil Sciences not elsewhere classified
050303 Soil Biology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 961402 Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Soils
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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