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Article
Effects of Earthworms on the Dispersal of Steinernema spp.
Journal of Nematology
  • D. I. Shapiro, Iowa State University
  • G. L. Tylka, Iowa State University
  • E. C. Berry, United States Department of Agriculture
  • L. C. Lewis, United States Department of Agriculture
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
3-1-1995
Abstract

Previous studies indicated that dispersal of S. carpocapsae may be enhanced in soil with earthworms. The objective of this research was to determine and compare the effects of earthworms on dispersal of other Steinernema spp. Vertical dispersal of Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. glaseri was tested in soil columns in the presence and absence of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). Dispersal was evaluated by a bioassay and by direct extraction of nematodes from soil. Upward dispersal of S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae increased in the presence of earthworms, whereas upward dispersal of S. glaseri was not affected by earthworms. No significant differences were detected in downward dispersal of S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae in soil with earthworms compared to soil without earthworms. Downward dispersal of S. glaseri, however, was greater in soil without earthworms relative to soil with earthworms. In soil void of earthworms, dispersal of S. glaseri was greatest followed by dispersal of S. carpocapsae. The presence of earthworm burrows in soil did not influence nematode dispersal. Nematodes were recovered from the surface, interior, and casts of earthworms. Therefore, nematodes may have a phoretic association with earthworms.

Comments

This article is published as Shapiro, D. I., G. L. Tylka, E. C. Berry, and L. C. Lewis. "Effects of Earthworms on the Dispersal of Steinernema spp." Journal of Nematology 27, no. 1: 21-28.

Rights
Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
D. I. Shapiro, G. L. Tylka, E. C. Berry and L. C. Lewis. "Effects of Earthworms on the Dispersal of Steinernema spp." Journal of Nematology Vol. 27 Iss. 1 (1995) p. 21 - 28
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gregory-tylka/174/