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Geothermal soils in Central Italy are characterized by high temperatures (up to 60°C), low pH values, and sparse vegetation. The biodiversity of entomopathogenic soil fungi and nematodes has never been assessed in these areas. Soil samples (N = 12) separated from each other by at least 100 meters were collected in the areas of Le Biancane Natural Park (Grosseto) and Sasso Pisano (Pisa). The Galleria bait method was used to assess the presence of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. A total of nine species of fungi and one nematode were isolated and molecularly identified. All these species came from samples collected in the immediate surroundings of geothermal spring, apart from one Beauveria pseudobassiana collected at about 16 meters from the nearest spring. Moreover, Pristionchus uniformis previously reported only from North America and few European countries is recorded for the first time in Italy.&nbsp

Geothermal soils in Central Italy are characterized by high temperatures (up to 60°C), low pH values, and sparse vegetation. The biodiversity of entomopathogenic soil fungi and nematodes has never been assessed in these areas. Soil samples (N = 12) separated from each other by at least 100 meters were collected in the areas of Le Biancane Natural Park (Grosseto) and Sasso Pisano (Pisa). The Galleria bait method was used to assess the presence of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. A total of nine species of fungi and one nematode were isolated and molecularly identified. All these species came from samples collected in the immediate surroundings of geothermal spring, apart from one Beauveria pseudobassiana collected at about 16 meters from the nearest spring. Moreover, Pristionchus uniformis previously reported only from North America and few European countries is recorded for the first time in Italy.&nbsp

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis have received the most attention among all nematodes studied for the control of insects because they possess many of the attributes of effective biological control agents. Recently, also same Oscheius species have been identified as potential insect pest. The overall aims of this study were (i) to characterize and describe entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from the soils collected during different surveys; (ii) to develop a technique for long-term storage of nematodes; and (ii) to determine the virulence and efficacy of the Steinernema carpocapsae ItS-CAO1, as well as to determine its stability and potential for mass production.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis have received the most attention among all nematodes studied for the control of insects because they possess many of the attributes of effective biological control agents. Recently, also same Oscheius species have been identified as potential insect pest. The overall aims of this study were (i) to characterize and describe entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from the soils collected during different surveys; (ii) to develop a technique for long-term storage of nematodes; and (ii) to determine the virulence and efficacy of the Steinernema carpocapsae ItS-CAO1, as well as to determine its stability and potential for mass production.