Biosafety of Different Entomopathogenic Nematodes Species on Some Insects Natural Enemies

Biosafety of ten entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) species were evaluated against three natural enemies; green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephenus), seven spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata and minute pirate bug, Orius albidipennis. Three concentrations of each strain were used (500, 250 and 125 IJs/ml). The lowest lethal concentration for 50 % of each population (LC50, s) was 110.7, 109.2 and 730.7 IJs/ml for C. carnea, C. septempunctata and O. albidipennis, respectively. Steinernema carpocapsae (ALL) was the most effective entomopathogenic nematodes specie against all tested insects. The D1specie (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar) was the least effective against C. carnea and C. septempunctata. The LC50, s were 214.9 and 163.3 IJs/ml, respectively. The S2 (S. carpocapsae Wiser) was the least effective specie against O. albidipennis (2099.1 IJs/ml). These results cleared that O. albidipennis not affected by all concentrations used. So, entomopathogenic nematodes can be used safely during the peak of O. albidipennis. The results recommended that avoiding using concentrations above 100 IJs/ml of entomopathogenic nematodes during the peak of C. carnea and C. septempunctata. The obtained results showed also, both C. carnea and C. septempunctata were more susceptible than O. albidipennis to all species of entomopathogenic nematodes.