Control of Pest Insect of June Beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis), with Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Nona Mikaia1

1

Publication Date: 2025/01/04

Abstract: The June beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis), a significant pest that affects grass, vegetables, and ornamental plants, causes substantial damage through its root-feeding larvae and foliage-feeding adults. This study evaluates the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents against the fourth instar larvae of the June beetle. Two nematode species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and a local strain, Steinernema tsagveriensis sp.n., were tested for efficacy at various concentrations (2000 and 3500 infective juveniles per milliliter) and temperatures (25°C and 35°C). Results showed that H. bacteriophora achieved a mortality rate of 78%, while S. tsagveriensis sp.n. resulted in a mortality rate of 56%. The optimal conditions for nematode application included a suspension concentration of at least 2000 infective juveniles per milliliter and a temperature of 25°C. These findings underscore the effectiveness of both nematode species as ecologically sustainable solutions for controlling A. solstitialis, with H. bacteriophora demonstrating higher efficacy.

Keywords: Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora, Amphimallon Solstitialis, Biological Control, Temperature. Concentration of Nematode Suspension.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14591130

PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT24DEC1715.pdf

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