Microbiome dynamics associated with the infection of grey field slugs by the biocontrol nematode <i>Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita</i>.

ABSTRACT: The facultative-parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita has been used for many years as a biological control agent targeting slug pests. During the nematode's infection process, the presence of certain bacteria has been suggested to affect the pathogenicity and efficiency of the nematodes in killing slugs, though the potential roles of different bacteria in affecting host-infection by nematodes remain unclear. In this study, we examined three experimental P. hermaphrodita populations cultured with three different bacteria: 1) Escherichia coli (EC), 2) a newly isolated Pseudomonas sp. strain (PS) that co-cultured with a P. hermaphrodita strain found in Oregon, USA, and 3) the original complex bacterial community (BC) associated with the nematode.

SUBMITTER: Ha AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405279 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature