Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
North American species, nematode, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita
College
Life Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Slugs and snails are pests that destroy various food crops throughout the entire world. To control their outbreak, Europeans have utilized the nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, a mollusc pathogen. This nematode has not been introduced into US agriculture because it has not been found in a mollusc pathogenic stage in the United States and could have detrimental non-target effects. Thus, slug and snail control methods in the US are currently limited to petrochemical methods of pest management. I have recently discovered an unidentified species of the genus Phasmarhabditis. that rapidly and consistently kills slugs, snails and grubs. I propose a more careful study of their biocontrol potential by testing their virulence on different snail species through titration (dosage) tests as well as their mutualistic association with bacteria. These tests will establish the infection density required to kill slugs, an important step towards developing the nematodes for pest control applications in the US as an alternative to traditional, chemical-based pesticides.
Recommended Citation
Keplinger, Nate and Adams, Dr. Byron
(2013)
"Isolation and characterization of a North American species of Phasmarhabditis sp.,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1098.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1098