Native entomopathogenic nematodes from Mount Erciyes and their pathogenicity against Carpophilus hemipterus L. and Sitophilus granarius L
Journal of Stored Products Research, cilt.119, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 119
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103140
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Stored Products Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Compendex, Zoological Record
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Biological control, Entomopathogenic nematodes, Native isolates, Stored-product pests
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Among the stored-product pests (SPPs), the dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), and the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are considered as two of the most destructive SPPs. The extensive use of synthetic insecticides against these pests poses severe health and environmental risks, necessitating sustainable alternatives. The present survey was conducted to investigate the naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) fauna in the soils of Mount Erciyes and to evaluate their pathogenicity against C. hemipterus and S. granarius. From 100 collected soil samples, 12 (12%) were positive for EPNs. Through morphological, morphometric, and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the isolates were identified as Steinernema feltiae (5 isolates), S. carpocapsae (1 isolate), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (1 isolate), Oscheius tipulae (3 isolates), and O. onirici (2 isolates). Initial pathogenicity screening was conducted on Galleria mellonella larvae, leading to the selection of three highly virulent isolates, S. feltiae (E−13-1 and E−13-2) and S. carpocapsae (E−4-2), for targeted trials against the SPPs. At the highest concentration (2000 IJs/mL), the highest larval mortality of C. hemipterus (71.1%) was observed for S. feltiae E−13-1 at 6 days after treatment (DAT), followed by S. carpocapsae E−4-2 (66.4%). Moreover, the S. carpocapsae E−4-2 isolate caused 52.4% and 100% adult mortality in C. hemipterus and S. granarius, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, the selected native EPN isolates showed potential as biocontrol agents against SPPs, warranting further research before use in integrated pest management programs.