38th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology

Post-application survival of entomopathogenic nematodes is a key factor affecting field efficacy. Formulation and application technology can play a major role in determining survivability. Various formulations have been developed for soil application; a number of these are currently in use. The utility of entomopathogenic nematodes may be expanded through some recently developed formulations that offer greater potential for survival in above-ground applications. Formulation or application of nematodes in their infected hosts may also offer opportunities for enhanced survival. Entomopathogenic nematode species or strain selection can have considerable impact on post-application survival. Indeed in recent laboratory experiments conducted in soil, we observed substantial variation in survivability of more than 20 entomopathogenic nematode strains and species.