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Infective juvenile formation in the insect parasitic nematode Steinernema feltiae

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

Irene Popiel
Affiliation:
Biosys, 1057 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
Donna L. Grove
Affiliation:
Biosys, 1057 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
M. J. Friedman
Affiliation:
Biosys, 1057 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

Summary

Steinernematid nematodes form a developmentally arrested infective juvenile (IJ) stage at the second moult, when conditions inside the insect host are no longer suitable for further reproduction. In a liquid culture micro-assay two environmental cues were shown to influence the formation of Steinernema feltiae IJs. High nematode population density induced IJ formation, suggesting the presence of a nematode pheromone. Bacterial food and soluble nutrients acted competitively to reduce the frequency of IJ formation. Frequency of IJ formation was greatest when lst-stage juveniles were subjected to IJ-inducing conditions. The optimum temperature range for the IJ induction response was 25–30°C. These findings suggest that maximal IJ production in large-scale liquid culture will depend on the correct balance of nematode population density and nutrient availability at the peak of egg hatching.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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References

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