Guidelines for Introducing Beneficial Insect-parasitic Nematodes into the United States
Nickle, W.R.; Drea, J.J.; Coulson, J.R.
Journal of Nematology 20(Annals 2): 50-56
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-300X PMID: 19290303 Document Number: 317659
Guidelines are suggested to implement the introduction of beneficial entomophilic nematodes into the USA from abroad. These suggestions result from experiences and research with these and other biological control agents and from the current need for procedures to import nematodes. Subjects considered are need to import, foreign exploration, taxonomy, shipment, quarantine facilities, permits, host range tests, release and documentation. Nematodes covered under these suggested guidelines include entomophilic species of mermithids, sphaerulariids, aphelenchids, steinernematids, and heterorhabditids. Host specificity and safety tests are discussed. Concern over the possible concomitant introduction of plant-parasitic nematodes, insects, or other pests is expressed. Current information on the treatment of entomophilic nematodes by the Environmental Protection Agency and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is presented. These suggested guidelines are presented to stimulate the development of workable protocols for safe introduction of beneficial entomophilic nematodes into the USA from abroad.