In vitro effect of abamectin on the carrot cyst nematode Heterodera carotae

Abstract

The effectiveness of an abamectin formulation (Vertimec® EC) for the control of the carrot cyst nematode Heterodera carotae Jones was investigated in an in vitro hatching test. Abamectin is a mixture of macrocyclic lactones produced by the actinomycete Sptreptomyces avermitilis especially known for its acaricidal and insecticidal activities. Cysts of the nematode were subjected for different exposure times (24, 48, 96, 192, 384 hours) to different concentrations of an aqueous solution of the abamectin formulation (0, 1.125, 2.25, 4.5, 9.0, 18.0 and 36 g/ml). Results clearly demonstrate the efficacy of abamectin at all tested applied concentrations with an increase of nematode mortality by the increase of abamectin concentration. Moreover, efficacy increased by increasing exposure time at each concentration.