Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of <i>Cosmopolites sordidus</i> Germar (Coleoptera: Curcilionidae), a pest of bananas in Australia

Abstract

Summary Applications of Steinemema carpocapsae All strain in water thickener into cuts or holes made in residual rhizomes of bananas gave significant mortality of Cosmopolites sordidus larvae in the rhizomes. The methods proved suitable for field application and two large scale field trials using S. carpocapsae All and S. carpocapsae NC513 gave acceptable levels of control as measured by Vilardebo's (1973) Co‐efficient of Infestation. Mortality of adult C. sordidus attracted to the application sites on treated rhizomes was observed during these field trials.