Evaluation of the efficiency of entomopathogenic nematodes in the control of immature stages of Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) exposed to sugarcane industry byproducts
Heterorhabditis; Stomoxys calcitrans; mortality;
Several approaches to stable fly control have already been considered and/or applied; passing through chemical control, with low viability due to possible environmental damage, and generation of populations resistant to various chemicals; waste management (organic matter), which depends on manpower training and awareness of the actors involved in the process; to the current paradigm of microbiological control, either by itself or in an integrated control system. The biological characteristics and other information attributed to entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) indicate that these agents are promising in agricultural systems in the control of pests that develop partially or totally in the soil, with the possibility of low cost implementation for farmers; limiting financial losses caused by weight loss and/or animal productivity. It should be considered, however, that following the expansion of sugarcane cultivation areas and the increase in the Brazilian cattle herd, the financial loss caused by S. calcitrans tends to be much greater than these published estimates. The experiments described for this study dealt with the factors with the greatest potential for interference with the implementation of a EPN-based biological control system for Stomoxys calcitrans – the maintenance of nematode pathogenicity among the most favorable sugarcane by-products available to fly development, and the resistance to temperatures similar to those of fertigation in sugarcane fields. The present study aimed to verify the pathogenic potential of Heterorhabditis nematodes on S. calcitrans larvae when exposed to vinasse, filter cake, and sugarcane bagasse; observe the effect of different temperatures on the maintenance of EPN virulence; to evaluate the influence of S. calcitrans larvae age on EPN virulence, and to consider the viability of EPN application on S. calcitrans pupae. Furthermore, this study aimed to offer tools that will help mitigate the problems caused by S. calcitrans in the relationship between sugarcane industries, livestock zones and public health.