Leslie Rickert Campbell, Randy Gaugler,

Mechanisms for exsheathment of entomopathogenic nematodes,

International Journal for Parasitology,
Volume 21, Issue 2,
1991,
Pages 219-224,
ISSN 0020-7519,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7519(91)90012-V.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/002075199190012V)
Abstract: Infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema
carpocapsae (All and Mexican strains) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB1 and
NC1 strains) are ensheathed in a cuticle retained from the previous molt.
Exsheathment marks the transition from the free-living to the parasitic life cycle.
Chemical and non-chemical exsheathment methods were examined. S. carpocapsae
exsheaths more readily than H. bacteriophora. Movement on a substrate increased
exsheathment in S. carpocapsae but had no effect on H. bacteriophora. Exposure to
1% sodium hypochlorite for 5 min resulted in nearly 100% sheath removal in both
species. Storage increased exsheathment, with greater than 70% exsheathed in both
species after 64 days at 7°C. Agitation and carbon dioxide did not stimulate
exsheathment. Temperature alone did not stimulate exsheathment, however, increased
temperatures accelerated exsheathment during storage. The availability of reliable
exsheathment methods will enable analysis of exsheathment behavior and
clarification of the role of the sheath in entomopathogenic nematodes.
Keywords: Entomopathogenic nematode; exsheathment; sheath; heterorhabditis;
steinernematid; Steinernema carpocapsae; Heterorhabditis bacteriophora