Occurrence and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in the Slovak Republic

Infective-stage juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Stein ernema and Heterorhabditis were recovered by direct extraction from 36% of a total of 111 soil samples collected in various biotopes from different re gions of Slovakia. The rate of prevalence was highest in forest soil (58%). On the basis of morphological characters of the infective juveniles eight Steinernema and one Heterorhabditis species were distinguished. Steinernema affine, S. intermedium and S. feltiae were most prevalent (together 74% of all records). The other species of Steinernema encountered were S. krausse i, S. carpocapsae, S. bicornutum, a species of the S. glaseri group and an undescribed species earlier recorded from Germany. In 11 of the 40 soil sam ples positive for entomopathogenic nematodes mixtures of two to four specie s were present. Several species showed a distinct habitat preference, e.g., S. affine for arable soil and S. intermedium for woodland and river bank v egetation with trees. A preference for certain soil types was less apparent .