History of the discovery of the nematode Steinenema Feltiae

In the 1950s, two American scientists, Leslie A. Steiner and SA Stock, isolated and studied a pathogenic nematode in soil, which they initially named "Neoaplectana carpocapsae". They discovered that this nematode was able to parasitize and kill the larvae of certain insect pests, which generated great interest in its potential use in biological control.

Later, in the 1960s, two other scientists, Akhurst and Bedding, did extensive research on entomopathogenic nematodes. They studied different strains of nematodes and discovered a distinct strain which they named Steinernema feltiae, in honor of their scientific colleague Mr. Felt, who contributed to the study of nematodes.

Steinernema feltiae has been characterized as a specific nematode, distinct from Neoaplectana carpocapsae, with unique biological and morphological characteristics. This specific strain has been shown to be effective in controlling various insect pests including fungus gnat larvae, thrips and aphids.

Since their discovery, Steinernema feltiae nematodes have been widely studied and used in biological control. Further research has been conducted to improve their effectiveness, conservation and practical application.

It should be noted that other strains of Steinernema nematodes have also been discovered, each with specific characteristics and efficacy against different target insects. However, Steinernema feltiae remains one of the most widely used and studied strains in the field of biological control.