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Can endemic entomopathogenic nematode populations be used in conservation biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis)?

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Can endemic entomopathogenic nematode populations be used in conservation biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis)?

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Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are present in the soils of most ecosystems, yet little is known about their field ecology, limiting their use in conservation biological control. We investigated the dynamics of endemic populations of EPNs over a three year period to determine their potential to regulate populations of the annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) (ABW), a major pest of turfgrass. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae were isolated from ABW cadavers at all sites and years, and to date are the only known natural enemies of the weevil. Endemic populations infected a wide range of instars, responded in density dependent fashion with nematode-susceptible weevil stages and caused moderate ABW generational mortality (up to 50%). However, EPN densities varied dramatically throughout the season in response to temperature and moisture extremes. Despite within season fluctuations EPNs displayed a distinct seasonal peak in abundance following peaks i

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