Evaluating a Portable Method and Two Irrigation Drippers for Field Application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Year 2024, , 138 - 150, 31.03.2024

Hilal Erdoğan , Tufan Can Ulu

https://doi.org/10.29133/yyutbd.1389512

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can be applied using drip irrigation systems. However, the choice of driplines and types of drippers significantly impacts the efficacy of field applications. This study investigated the performance of EPN applications using two common dripper types (katif and cylindrical drippers) under both pot and field conditions. The primary objective of the study was to optimize EPN applications and create a modular system in which driplines and drippers can be selected based on the target pest or plant. In our modular system, driplines were connected to a battery-powered backpack sprayer rather than an irrigation system. The efficacy of EPN applications was assessed on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae at a commercial dose of approximately 50 IJs cm-2. The results revealed that only 60% of the nematodes were discharged from the cylindrical drippers, with 40% becoming trapped in the irrigation system. In contrast, over 90% of the nematodes were successfully discharged from the katif dripper. As a result, the katif dripper exhibited significantly higher larval mortality compared to all other application methods. These findings emphasize the substantial impact of the dripper type on EPN discharge, while also highlighting the applicability of the modular method for EPN applications.

Keywords

Drip irrigation, emitter, fertigation, Heterorhabditis, Steinernema

Supporting Institution

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK)

Project Number

TOVAG 120O286

Thanks

This study was financially supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Project number: TOVAG - 120O286). The authors would like to thank the Biotechnology Application and Research Centre for providing the facilities for laboratory assays. The authors also thank Edwin Lewis, Glen Stevens, Lucas Ripa, and Halil Ünal.

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