Entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new member of Slovenian fauna

Abstract

In April 2008, 120 soil samples from 24 locations were collected in Gorenjska, Notranjska and Primorska regions as well as in Ljubljansko barje. The presence of entomopathogenic nematodes was confirmed in 9 samples from 6 locations. Only the sample C101, which was taken in the village Svino in the area of Breginjski kot (western part of Slovenia, the vicinity of Italian border), was sent to genetic analysis. Molecular biological analysis was proved the identity of the sample with the species Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser). This was the first record of Steinernema carpocapsae in Slovenia. In preceding researches on the fauna of entomopathogenic nematodes in Slovenia, which started in 2007, we already established the occurrence of Steinernema affine (Bovien) and Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev).

Keywords

• entomopathogenic nematodes
• Slovenia
• Steinernema carpocapsae
• biological control