Insects 2012, 3(3), 719-726; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects3030719
Screening Commercially Available Entomopathogenic Biocontrol Agents for the Control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in the UK
The Food and Environment Research Agency, National Bee Unit, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
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Received: 3 July 2012 / Revised: 24 July 2012 / Accepted: 6 August 2012 / Published: 9 August 2012
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Honey Bee)
Abstract
The Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is an invasive pest of honey bees. Indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, it has now become established in North America and Australia. It represents a serious threat to European honey bees. Commercially available entomopathogenic agents were screened for their potential to control beetle larvae. Entomopathogenic fungi investigated had minimal impact. The nematodes Steinernema kraussei and S. carpocapsae provided excellent control with 100% mortality of larvae being obtained. Sequential applications of the nematodes following larvae entering sand to pupate also provided excellent control for up to 3 weeks. The information gained supports the development of contingency plans to deal with A. tumida should it occur in the UK, and is relevant to the management of Small hive beetle where it is already present. View Full-Text
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Cuthbertson, A.G.S.; Mathers, J.J.; Blackburn, L.F.; Powell, M.E.; Marris, G.; Pietravalle, S.; Brown, M.A.; Budge, G.E. Screening Commercially Available Entomopathogenic Biocontrol Agents for the Control of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in the UK. Insects 2012, 3, 719-726.