What specific nematode species show the highest virulence against SHB larvae?
The specific nematode species that show the highest virulence against small hive beetle (SHB) larvae are:
- Steinernema carpocapsae (All strain)
- Heterorhabditis floridensis (K22 strain)
Both of these species have been demonstrated to cause 100% mortality of SHB larvae within 14 days of application under laboratory conditions, and they maintain very high efficacy (around 96% mortality) for at least six weeks after a single soil application[1][2].
They consistently outperform other nematode species—including Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. indica, and Steinernema riobrave—in both short-term efficacy and persistence.
Steinernema carpocapsae, in particular, is widely recommended due to its high virulence, persistence in soil, and demonstrated ability to perform well even in varied soil conditions.
Heterorhabditis floridensis (K22) matches its efficacy and is also considered a top biocontrol candidate for SHB management[1][2][3].
Other nematode species such as S. riobrave and H. indica show moderate to high potential, but do not consistently reach the 100% mortality levels of S. carpocapsae and H. floridensis[3][2].
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- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40161028/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954647/
- https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=385521
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