Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are organisms that can be used in biological control of plants. In order to expand our knowledge about the compatibility of the EPNs to phytopharmaceuticals, we studied the effect of simultaneous use of EPNs infective juveniles (IJs) and acaricides (Apollo 50 SC, Envidor SC 240, Masai, Ortus 5 SC in Triathlon sprej) under laboratory conditions. The direct exposure of acaricides to EPNs was studied in Petri dishes at 15, 20, and 25 °C. EPNs were exposed to acaricides for 4, and 24 hours. Four EPNs species were included in our investigation; Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, S. kraussei, and H. bacteriophora. The results of our laboratory investigation have shown that H. bacteriophora was the most tolerant EPN species. H. bacteriophora can be mixed with almost all tested acaricides. On the other hand, the most sensitive EPN species was S. feltiae. Our observation showed that S. feltiae can be mixed only with two acaricides. Active ingredient fenpyroximate prooved to be the most suitable for mixing with EPNs. Our results showed that fenpyroximate was at 25 °C lethal only to S. feltiae (44 % mortality). The mortality of EPNs was highest in active ingredients abamectin and pyrethrin. Our results have confirmed, that compatibility of EPNs to acaricides is a species specific characteristic. The mortality of EPNs was influenced also by the exposure time, active ingredient, and temperature. The combined use of EPNs and acaricides could represent an advantage in integrated plant protection programmes. Combinations of EPNs and acaricides could save time and money in the simultaneous control of various pests (insects, mites).
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