Resumen de New findings of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema rarum (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) in Córdoba, Argentina
Susana Raquel Cagnolo, Franco Carranza, Laura Inés Trimarchi, María Alejandra Bertolotti
A total of 152 soil samples collected from gardens of private properties at Córdoba city, Argentina, were evaluated for the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The insect bait method was used to isolate EPNs. The nematodes were characterized using both classic (morphometric characters) and molecular methods (analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and D2/D3 sequences of 28S genes). The recovery frequency of EPNs was 10.53%. Isolates belonging to the genera Heterorhabditis Poinar, 1976 and Steinernema (Travassos, 1927) were detected. Two isolates were identified as Steinernema rarum and four as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Granulometry, relative humidity and pH of the soil were determined and no significant differences were found among sites with presence or absence of EPNs when edaphic characteristics of sites were compared. The occurrence of EPNs in home gardens was determined for the first time, expanding S. rarum and H. bacteriophora currently known geographical distribution and increasing the diversity of populations of these nematodes to use against insect pests of urban areas.
