Abstract
Entomopathogenic nematodes can be used as biological control agents that are particularly suited for controlling soil pests. One problem with current commercial formulations is a lack of tolerance to brief exposures to high temperatures that often occur during product distribution. This can result in death of the nematodes and a loss of product efficacy. To counter this, a strain of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora was genetically engineered by the addition of the heat shock protein gene (hsp70A) from the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Prior to field release of the nematode we performed laboratory experiments to compare the physiological fitness of the transformed nematode with the wild-type. The transformed nematode was not different from the wild-type in terms of infectivity, reproductive capacity and survival at 16, 25, 30 or 37degreesC, nor were there any detectable differences in the virulence to a range of invertebrates or to mice. Three enclosed field releases were to monitor the persistence of wild-type and transformed nematodes in the environment. There were no significant differences in persistence between the two nematode types.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Enhancing Biocontrol Agents and Handling Risks (eds. Gressel,J.;Vurro,M.) IOS Press |
Place of Publication | Proceedings of NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Enhancing Biocontrol Agents and Handling Risks (eds. Gressel,J.;Vurro,M.) IOS Press |
Pages | 177-187 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- CAENORHABDITIS-ELEGANS
- HETERORHABDITIS-BACTERIOPHORA
- GENETIC-TRANSFORMATION
- HEAT-SHOCK
- STEINERNEMA
- SELECTION
- ORGANISMS
- IMPACT
- LARVAE
- HSP70