Author Bio

Julia Wooby is a PhD candidate in the department of Entomology at Purdue University studying the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) to control pests in high tunnel specialty crops. Julia works exclusively with commercially available EPN products, studying their application in the unique high tunnel microclimate to inform management decisions in this system. Her project looks at synergizing these EPN applications with other low-input management practices, with a focus on sustainable management of flea beetles in cruciferous crops. Presentation: Entomopathogenic nematodes for sustainable pest management in specialty crops: In the high tunnel environment, natural enemy ecology is altered by management practices that impact temperature, air flow, water availability, and pest dynamics compared to the field. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are underutilized natural enemies across agricultural systems compared to their predator and parasitoid counterparts, but specifically in high tunnels, recommendations for EPN use are lacking. EPN provide biological control services by targeting the soil-dwelling life stages of key pests, while posing low risk to beneficial insects. Characteristics of high tunnel farming that serve to intensify crop production may also improve conditions for EPN activity by influencing soil moisture, temperature, and the availability of insect hosts. We investigated performance and efficacy of three commercial EPN products in managed high tunnels compared to the field and under multiple management regimes to assess best practices for EPN use in specialty crop production.