Entomopathogenic nematodes, a case study: Introduction of Steinernema scapterisci in Florida

Steinernema scapterisci Nguyen & Smart (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) was established in Florida in 1985 for the control of mole crickets, Scapteriscus spp. Infected hosts were collected in sound traps 23 km from the nearest release, indicating long-distance dispersal and area-wide establishment. In a subsequent pasture study, the nematode dispersed, on average 60 m in 20 months; dispersal in some pastures was 150 m in <1 year. Establishment was not as successful on golf courses; however, pest populations were reduced >27% in areas where the nematode persisted. Inoculative applications were successful at 10 of 29 sites in Florida, where sound traps attracted flying Scapteriscus to relatively small numbers of S. scapterisci infective juveniles. The differences in the susceptibility to the nematode for mole cricket life stages and species were determined in laboratory and field trials. The nematode became commercially available in 1993; commercial applications facilitate the establishment of S. scapterisci in many areas of the state.