(Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) parasitizing (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can control pests due to mutualistic association with bacteria that reproduce and kill the host from septicemia, making the environment favourable for nematode development and reproduction. The objective of this study was to identify an EPN isolate collected in eucalyptus cultivation and to determine its pathogenicity with regard to Marelli (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Four steel-mesh traps with two seventh-instar larvae were buried 5 cm deep in the soil in a commercial plantation. After 7 days, the traps were packed in plastic bags and transported to laboratory to isolate the EPNs using White traps. The obtained nematodes were multiplied in larvae and identified by sequencing their D2/D3 expansion of the 28S rDNA region by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers for ITS regions. was identified and inoculated into pupae at doses of 500, 1000 and 5000 infective juveniles (IJs) to determine its pathogenicity to this pest. At 8 days after inoculation, the mortality rate of the pupae was 80% with the lowest concentration and 100% with the others. The emergence of nematodes and the rapid degradation of pupae were observed in those inoculated with IJs. The pathogenicity to the pupae indicates potential for using this nematode in the integrated management of this insect.