Foliar application of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) for the control of Diatraea saccharalis in greenhouse Aplicação foliar de nematóides entomopatogênicos (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae e Heterorhabditidae) para o controle de Diatraea saccharalis em casa de vegetação

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis , makes tunnels in the cane stalk, causing weight loss, as well as bud death, impairing germination. The weakened stalks are also more prone to breakage by wind, and in young plants the inner whorl of the leaves can die, resulting in a condition known as “dead heart”. Chemical control is used, but with low ef?ciency. This work was designed to test biological control of D. saccharalis using entomopathogenic nematodes (NEPs). Two trials in the greenhouse were performed using Heterohabditis baujard LPP7 and Steinernema carpocapse NCAll by foliar application associated with adjuvants. In the ?rst assay, the number of holes per stalk was 3.4 for the control without nematodes and with Joint* Oil; 3.14 for the control without nematodes and with Gota?x®; 2.44 for S. carpocapsae NCAll + Joint* Oil; 2.06 for H. baujardi LPP7 + Gota?x® and also for S. carpocapsae NCAll + Gota?x®; and 1.84 for H. baujardi LPP7 + Joint* Oil. In the second assay, the treatments showed an average of 4.78 holes per stalk for the control without nematodes and with Gota?x®; 4.76 for the control without nematodes and with Joint* Oil; 2.18 for S. carpocapsae NCAll + Joint* Oil and for S. carpocapsae NCAll + Gota?x®; 1.96 for H. baujardi LPP7 + Gota?x®; and 1.90 for H. baujardi LPP7 + Joint* Oil. In the two experiments, the treatments with and without the EPNs differed signi?cantly, but there was no difference between the adjuvants or between the two EPN species.