The influence of mulch on the persistence of Steinernema brazilense(Nematoda: Steinernematidae) in sugarcane fields

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN's) were tested for sugarcane soil dwelling pests, including the billbug, Sphenophorus levis. The successful application of EPN's to protect sugarcane crops in Brazil requires the consideration of several aspects, including the widespread use of mechanical harvesting, which discards cane leaves in fields, resulting in a thick layer of mulch covering the ground. In this study, the influence of mulch on the persistence of Steinernema brazilense (strain IBCB n6) in sugarcane fields was examined. Nematode persistence in the soil was evaluated using Galleria mellonella larvae as an attractant. Results showed that S. brazilense can persists in sugarcane fields for at least 278 days after its application, and mulch does not affect its persistence, thus favoring its spread as compared to bare soil.