Mortality evaluation of pupae and adults of Ctenocephalides felis felis by entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis spp.
Ctenocephalides felis felis, entomopathogenic nematodes, biological control.Current research shows that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are capable of penetrating and killing arthropods of veterinary medical importance such as flies, fleas and ticks, becoming an important alternative in controlling these invertebrates. In this way, isolates can be used in target species that have at least one stage of development in the soil or in conjunction with various chemical products. The present study was divided into two parts, the first of which aimed to evaluate in vitro the mortality of pupae of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) by entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae). The first part of the study was divided into two stages, the first of which aimed to evaluate the mortality of naked pupae and pupae with puparium of C. felis felis by entomopathogenic nematodes Heterohabditis bacteriophora (HP88) in suspension containing 120 JIs/pupa in 600 µL of solution. The second stage aimed to evaluate the mortality of naked pupae and pupae with puparium of C. felis felis caused by Heterohabditis indica (LPP30) at a concentration of 120 IJs/pupa in 600 µL of solution. The second part of the experiment, which is ongoing, consists of evaluating the infection of C. felis felis adults by EPNs of the species H. bacteriophora (HP88) and H. indica (LPP30). The results obtained so far in the present study suggest that pupae, both naked and pupae with a pupal cocoon, of C. felis felis are susceptible to in vitro infection by H. bacteriophora (HP88) and H. indica (LPP30), which may cause EPNs are a promising tool in biological control at this stage of insect development.