Assessment of the susceptibility of the Turkestan cockroach, Blatta lateralis to Turkish isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes

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Two Turkish entomopathogenic nematodes isolates, Steinernema feltiae-KV06 (Filipjev) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora-EO7 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabtidae), were tested against the cockroach, Blatta lateralis Walker (Blattodea: Blattidae) to determine their potential for its control. The isolates were obtained from Kelebekler Vadisi and Eğriova Nature Parks in Ankara Province, Turkey. These isolates were applied at concentrations of 100, 250, 500 and 1000 IJ/cm2 to B. lateralis nymphs in 9cm diameter Petri dishes. The mortalities were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 days after application. At 1000 IJs/cm2, S. feltiae-KV06 and H. bacteriophora-EO7 caused the highest mortality (100.0±0.0%) with an LT50 of 2.3 and 2.6 days, respectively, and an LT90 of 6.6 and 7.9 days, respectively. The lowest mortality rate caused by both species was at 100IJs/cm2 after 2 days of exposure (S. feltiae-KV06: 0.6±1.4; H. bacteriophora-EO7: 0.0±0.0). There was no significant difference in the efficacy of the isolates at all concentrations and for all time periods. The effectiveness of both isolates against this pest should be tested at different temperatures and humidities and on different surfaces such as ceramic, concrete and parquet.