Occurrence of Insect-Parasitic Nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Insect parasitic nematodes were surveyed in the Republic of Ireland between October 1986 and October 1987. A total of 551 soil samples was tested for the presence of nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Steinernema feltiae (= S. bibionis) and S. affinis were recovered from 7.1 and 3.3% of samples, respectively. Heterorhabditis sp. was found in one sample. There was a significant association between locality (county) and frequency of nematode recovery. Nematodes were more frequently recovered from sandy and peaty soils than from clays and clay loams, but differences between soil types were not significant. Nematodes were present in tilled fields (41/365 samples), grassland (13/143) and woodland (4/43). There was a significant association between sampling time and frequency of recovery. Nematodes were less likely to be recovered in May-June than at other times of the year.