Co-Authors:
Samish, M., Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
Alekseev, E., Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
Glazer, I., Department of Nematology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, 50250, Israel
Abstract:
The biocidal efficacy of entompathogenic nematodes against engorged females of Boophilus annulatus (Say) was evaluated in soil-filled buckets in a greenhouse, where conditions resemble nature. The 9 tested nematode strains differed markedly in their effect upon tick mortality. The Mexican strain of Steinernema carpocapsae was most efficient, inducing 100% tick mortality at a concentration of 50 nematodes per square centimeter. An increase in the concentration of the S. carpocapsae DT strain to >200 IJ/cm2 failed to kill more ticks. It appears that entomopathogenic nematodes show promise as tick control agents.