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Greenhouse application of Steinernema yirgalemense to control fungus gnats, Bradysia impatiens

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Abstract

Bradysia impatiens Johannsen (Diptera: Scaridae) has recently been identified as a pest, in various greenhouse-cultured crops in South Africa. The control potential for different concentrations of a local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema yirgalemense Nguyen, Tesfamariam, Gozel, Gaugler and Adams, on a natural population of B. impatiens was determined in a cucumber greenhouse. Additionally, the effect of potting media on nematode movement to control an artificial population of fungus gnats was tested. Doubling the EPN dosage, from that recommended by a commercial product (5 × 105 IJs m−2), reduced the fungus gnats significantly after 21 days. The three different types of potting media, consisting of pine sawdust, coco coir, and a mixture of both coir bale and vermiculite, all had a positive effect on the movement of S. yirgalemense. A significant mortality was achieved for the introduced fungus gnat larvae.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank D.G. Nel (Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University) for the statistical analyses. The financial support of NemaBio (Pty) (Ltd) and The National Research Foundation-THRIP (TP14062571871) are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Sheila Storey of Nemlab and Gavin Williams of Rennie farms for assistance during the field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    A. Katumanyane & A. P. Malan

  2. Nemlab, Groenfontein Farm c/o R44 and Anyswortelrug Road, Klapmuts, 7625, South Africa

    T. Ferreira

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  1. A. Katumanyane
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Correspondence to A. P. Malan.

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Katumanyane, A., Ferreira, T. & Malan, A.P. Greenhouse application of Steinernema yirgalemense to control fungus gnats, Bradysia impatiens. BioControl 63, 729–738 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-018-9895-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-018-9895-3

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