ABSTRACT

The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is lethal to a wide range of pest gastropod species. In Europe, it is available as a biocontrol agent (Nemaslug®), but its complete host range is yet to be determined. Our data showed that a U.S. strain of this nematode is lethal to the introduced, non-pest, subterranean slug, Testacella haliotidea, which substantiates the broad host range of P. hermaphrodita. These data highlight the need for completing additional testing with both pest and particularly native gastropod species before a decision is made on the use of P. hermaphrodita as a biocontrol agent in the U.S.

摘要

线虫Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita对多种害虫腹足动物物种具有致命性。在欧洲，它可用作生物防治剂 (Nemaslug®)，但其完整的宿主范围尚未确定。我们的数据表明，这种线虫的美国菌株对引入的非害虫地下蛞蝓Testacella haliotidea 是致命的，这证实了P. hermaphrodita的广泛宿主范围。这些数据强调了在美国决定使用雌雄同体作为生物防治剂之前，需要完成对害虫特别是本地腹足动物物种的额外测试