Effect of storage temperature on survival and infectivity of Steinernema rarum (OLI strain) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae).

Nematode strains of the entomopathogenic family Steinernematidae differ in their ability to infect insects at different temperatures. Survival and infectivity of infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema rarum (OLI) were studied after their storage at 23+/-2 degrees C and at 5+/-1 degrees C. Survival at 23+/-2 degrees C was always above 95%. At 5+/-1 degrees C, survival decreased at week 5, but infectivity did the same after week 2. Unlike other steinernematids, both infectivity and survival of IJs would be higher for S. rarum (OLI) when stored at 23+/-2 degrees C.