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Tests of Antarctic soils for insect parasitic nematodes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2004

Christine T. Griffin ,
M.J. Downes  and
W. Block
Christine T. Griffin
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
M.J. Downes
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
W. Block
Affiliation:
British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, U.K.
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Extract

Nematodes of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae are obligate parasites of a wide range of insects (Poinar 1979). The third stage juvenile of these nematodes is a non-feeding infective form which carries symbiotic insect-pathogenic bacteria (Xenorhabdus spp.) in its intestine. Under favourable conditions the juveniles can survive for months in the soil. They are attracted to and enter insects. After invading the haemocoel they release the symbiont. The bacteria multiply, kill the host by septicaemia, and provide suitable conditions for nematode growth and reproduction. After one to two weeks, the newly formed infective juveniles leave the cadaver and seek new hosts.

Keywords

HeterorhabditidaeSteinernematidae
Type
Short note
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , September 1990 , pp. 221 - 222
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1990

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