Potential of various strains of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in combination with Insecticides for suppression of Black Cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Seal D.R., Jha Vivek K., Liu T.X.1 University of Florida-IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL 33031, USA 1Vegetable IPM Laboratory, Texas A&M University, AES, 2415 E, Highway 83, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA. vjento@gmail.com Abstract Black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, is a polyphagous pest feeding nearly on all vegetables and important grains. Studies were conducted in the laboratory to determine the efficacy of three strains of Steinemematid and two strains of Heterorhabditid nematodes alone or in combination with eight conventional insecticides for the control of black cutworms. Effectiveness of treatments was assessed by the number of infective nematode juveniles or the amount of insecticides that were required to cause suppression of 50% and 90% A. ipsilon population. Number of nematodes required for 50% mortality of 4th instar A. ipsilon was significantly higher for Heterorhabditid strain FL-2122 than the other strains. A similar trend in the potentiality of nematodes was observed when suppression of 90% of A. ipsilon larvae was considered. Among insecticides, tebufenozide, chlorpyrifos, isazophos, and diazinon were more effective in controlling A. ipsilon larvae than RH-0345, neem oil, azadirachtin and carbofuran. When LD90 was considered, chlorpyrifos and isazophos were more effective than the other insecticides. All insecticides were compatible with the entomopathogenic nematodes. Combination of nematodes and insecticides provided synergistic effects in controlling A. ipsilon. Mean numbers of infective nematode juveniles harvested from A. ipsilon were significantly more than those harvested from greater wax moth larvae. This study provided baseline information for developing an integrated management program of A. ipsilon. Top Keywords Agrotis ipsilon, Biological control, EPN, Insecticides. Top |