Abstract
The insect parasitic nematodeSteinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) was applied to 4 colonies ofVespula wasps in the field. At all treated colonies worker activity was reduced by at least 50% after one week. Two treated colonies partially recovered, and 2 colonies were completely destroyed.Vespula workers removed nematodekilled and dying nestmates from treated colonies. The results suggest that under certain conditions, nematodes could be used as biological control agents of yellowjackets.
Résumé
Le nématode entomophageSteinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) a été appliqué à quatre nids de guêpes sociales du genreVespula dans les conditions naturelles. Au bout d'une semaine, l'activité des ouvrières a été réduite d'au moins 50% dans tous les nids traités. Deux nids traités se sont rétablis en partie, et deux ont été détruits complètement. Les ouvrièresVespula ont transporté hors des nids traités les individus morts ou malades. Ces résultats suggèrent la possibilité d'utilisation des nématodes dans certaines conditions pour la lutte biologique contre les guêpes nuisibles.
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Gambino, P., Pierluisi, G.J. & Poinar, G.O. Field test of the nematodeSteinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) against yellowjacket colonies (Hym.: Vespidae). Entomophaga 37, 107–114 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372979
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372979