The Effect of Selective Culture of Steinernema Feltiae At Low Temperature On Establishment, Pathogenicity, Reproduction and Size of Infective Juveniles

Abstract

Steinernema feltiae was selectively cultured in Galleria mellonella as follows: 13 infective cycles at 22°C, near to the optimum temperature for development of S. feltiae, four infective cycles at 10°C close to the lowest temperature at which reproduction occurs, or four infective cycles at 10°C followed by one cycle at 22° C. After four cycles at 10°C the LT 50 (Galleria mortality) was shorter, the establishment higher and the size of infective juveniles longer and wider than those produced after 13 infective cycles at 22°C. After treatment at four cycles at 10°C followed by one cycle at 22°C the decrease in LT 50 observed after four cycles at 10°C was lost when tested at 7°C and 10°C and partially lost when tested at 12°C and 15°C. Reproduction was not affected by previous culture temperatures.