Entomopathogenic nematodes and their potential for use against banana weevil {cosmopolites sordidus germar) in Tanzania.
| dc.contributor.author | Mwaitulo, Suma Andalwisye | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-08-26T06:47:30Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-08-26T06:47:30Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2009 | |
| dc.description | The Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research (BIOFORSK), | |
| dc.description.abstract | A survey on the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was conducted in selected banana fields in three regions (Coast, Mbeya and Morogoro) of Tanzania. The main objective of the study was to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes naturally occurring in banana fields in Tanzania and to test the effectiveness of these nematodes against banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar). The presence of entomopathogenic nematodes is reported for the first time in Tanzania. Entomopathogenic nematodes were found in soils sampled from banana fields in Coast region of Tanzania using the Great wax moth, (Galleria mellonella L.) larvae as bait. Four (4.4%) out of 90 samples contained nematodes from which nine isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes were obtained. Seven isolates were identified as Steinernema spp while two isolates were of Heterorhabdits spp. The nine isolates were studied to determine their virulence against larvae and adults of C. Sordidus. Nematode concentrations of 0.35, 3.5 and 7.0 infective juveniles cm'2 were used. All isolates were able to invade C. sordidus larvae but adults were rarely infected. At concentrations of 3.5 and 7.0 cm' MK7A (Steinernema spp) and MK7B (Heterorhabdits spp) caused the highest larval mortality of up to 100%. The average larval mortality ranged between 52% - 78.67% with isolates MK7C and MK7B (Heterorhabdits spp) being the most virulent causing an average larval mortality of 77.33% and 78.67% respectively. The potential of using EPNs as a biocontrol agent for C. sordidus larvae based on laboratory results has been demonstrated. However performance of these isolates under field condition must be evaluated and tested. Proper delivery systems for use in different banana production systems need to be developed and tested. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7920 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Entomopathogenic nematodes | |
| dc.subject | Banana weevil | |
| dc.subject | Three regions Regions (Coast | |
| dc.subject | Mbeya | |
| dc.subject | Morogoro) | |
| dc.subject | Tanzania | |
| dc.subject | banana fields | |
| dc.title | Entomopathogenic nematodes and their potential for use against banana weevil {cosmopolites sordidus germar) in Tanzania. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |