Accessibility navigation


Biological control of black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by entomopathogenic bacteria and their cell-free toxic metabolites

Mahar, A.N., Munir, M., Gowen, S. R., Hague, N.G.M. and Tabil, M.A. (2004) Biological control of black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by entomopathogenic bacteria and their cell-free toxic metabolites. Food, Agriculture & Environment, 2. pp. 208-211. ISSN 1459-0255

Full text not archived in this repository.

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

Abstract/Summary

Biocontrol agents such as Xeiwrhabduf, nemalophilci and X. nematophila ssp. bovienii and their cell-free protein toxin complexes were lethal to larvae of O. sulcatus when applied to potting compost in the absence of plants. Similarly, strawberry plants infected with 0. sulcaitfi larvae were protected from damage by applications of both cell suspensions of the bacteria and solutions of their cell-free toxic metabolites, indicating that it is the protein toxins, which are responsible for the lethal effects observed. These toxic metabolites were found more effective against 0. sulccitus larvae when treated in soil microflora. Insect mortality is increased by increasing temperature and bacterial concentration. The toxins remained pathogenic for several months when stored in potting soil either at 15 or 20°C, however, bacterial cells were not as persistent as the toxins. It is therefore suggested that these bacteria and their toxic metabolites can he applied in soil for insect pest control.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Soil Research Centre
ID Code:8870
Uncontrolled Keywords:Biological control , bacterial symbionts , Xenorhabdus nematophila , Xenorlwbdus nematophila ssp. bovienii , black vine weevil , Otiorhynchus sulcatus , cell-free metabolites , strawberry

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation