SURVIVAL OF STEINERNEMATID NEMATODES EXPOSED TO FREEZING

1.. Entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema riobravis, S. carpocapsae a nd S. glaseri survived prolonged exposure to freezing at -4 degrees C. LT50 values were 2.1, 1.8 and 0.6 days respectively. 2. Steinernema r iobravis and S. carpocapsae were still pathogenic after 6 days of free zing and S. glaseri showed poor pathogenicity over 4 days of freezing at -4 degrees C. 3. Incubation in 20% glycerol for 48h prior to freezi ng at -20 degrees C enhanced survival and pathogenicity of S. carpocap sae. Survival increased to 30 days; nematodes were still pathogenic af ter 24 days of exposure. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.