Selection of entomopathogenic nematodes and evaluation of their compatibility with cyantraniliprole for the control of Hypothenemus hampei

Attack by the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei causes significant damage to coffee crops because it affects the quality of the coffee fruit during different developmental stages, which results in production losses. Control of the borer is difficult owing to its cryptic behavior and the fact that it spends its entire life cycle inside the coffee berries. This makes it difficult for natural enemies to reach it, as well as for it to come into contact with chemical insecticides. The objective of the present study was to select and evaluate the virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on the coffee berry borer H. hampei and their compatibility with the insecticide cyantraniliprole under laboratory conditions. Initially, the pathogenicity and virulence of 16 isolates of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis towards coffee berry borer larvae and adults were evaluated. The most virulent isolates to both larvae and adults were determined by topical inoculation tests in coffee fruits (berries) infested by the insect, using a concentration of 100 infective juveniles (IJs)/fruit. The same isolates were also evaluated for viability and infectivity when combined with cyantraniliprole. The isolates S. feltiae (IBCB-n 47) and Heterorhabditis amazonensis (GL) displayed the highest virulence towards adults (54%). For larvae, we observed a high virulence of S. feltiae, Heterorhabditis amazonensis, Heterorhabditis indica, Heterorhabditis sp. (JPM4), Heterorhabditis sp. (NEPET 11), Heterorhabditis sp. (IBCB-n 46), and Heterorhabditis sp. (IBCB-n 44) that promoted 100% mortality. Regarding the topical inoculation test on infested fruits, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis sp. (IBCB-n 46) were unable to penetrate the fruit through the hole made by the borer, infect, and cause the death of insects. Cyantraniliprole formulation affected the viability of IJs of S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis sp. (IBCB-n 46), mainly after 48 h of exposure.