Phoresy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae by the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Abstract

The free-living stage of entomopathogenic nematodes occurs in soil, and is an environmental-friendly alternative for biological control. However, their dispersal capability is limited. Earthworms improve soil characteristics, changing soil structure and inXuencing many edaphic organisms. Thus, earthworms could be used as vectors to introduce/disperse beneWcial organisms. Nevertheless this interaction has not been studied in detail. This study presents the infectivity results of Steinernema feltiae after passing through the Eisenia fetida gut. Although entomopathogenic nematodes have no deleterious eVects on earthworms, their passage through E. fetida gut seriously affected their mobility and virulence