ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Cephalcia abietis
;
Entomophilic nematode
;
Picea abies
;
Soil acidity
;
Steinernema kraussei
;
Endoparasite
;
Air pollution
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary The free-living stages of Steinernema kraussei (Rhabditida), an endoparasite of Cephalcia abietis L. (Hymenoptera), are exposed to different soil conditions when searching for host nymphs. Field studies and laboratory experiments showed that soil acidity plays a major role in the nematode's ability to parasitize Cephalcia nymphs. Under field conditions in Picea abies forests positive correlations between soil pH and both nematode density and insects parasitized were found. Acidic soil with pH levels below 4.0 may limit the nematode's host-finding. Controlled experiments in the laboratory under different pH conditions confirmed these correlations.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00335803
