History of the discovery of the nematode Steinenema Carpocapsae

Research on entomopathogenic nematodes, including Steinernema carpocapsae, was initiated by two scientists, William A. Hirschmann and John B. Hoyt, in the 1940s at Cornell University in the United States.

Originally, scientists were interested in finding alternative methods to control crop pests, in particular codling moth (Cydia pomonella), an important fruit pest species. They noticed that certain soil nematodes, which were isolated from beetle larvae, could kill codling moth larvae.

Hirschmann and Hoyt investigated further and identified these nematodes as a new species which they named Steinernema carpocapsae. They found that Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes were very effective in controlling codling moth larvae in orchards.

This discovery has generated great interest in the use of Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes in the biological control of insect pests. Since then, additional studies have been conducted to better understand their biology, ecology, and practical use in organic farming and gardening.

Today, Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes are widely used as biological control agents to control various insect pests, especially codling moth larvae, in many countries around the world.

It is important to note that the discovery of Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes is the result of collective research and continuous efforts by many scientists and researchers in the field of biological control.