ONTA Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America FL, Inc.

The Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America FL, Inc. (ONTA) is a nonprofit entity comprised of members who have an interest in the study of plant-parasitic, free-living and insect-parasitic nematodes.

ONTA 2023 Abstract Submission

Abstract (Oral, Poster, Student Competition) formatting instructions

 

  • The abstract must be a MS Word document in 12-pt font (a Times font is preferred), single spaced, with left justified margins and right unjustified margins.
  • Title of the abstract should be in both English and Spanish languages in all capital letters.
  • Include the authors by initials followed by surname.
  • All authors should be listed with the author presenting using bold print.
  • List author addresses immediately after the list of authors. Use superscript numbers to clarify authors and addresses.
  • Start the abstract on the line following the line with the last author’s address.
  • Indent the first line of the abstract 5 spaces.
  • Scientific names should be italicized but omit taxonomic authorities and references.
  • Abstracts are limited to 500 words including title authors and addresses.
  • Do not submit the abstract by email,
  • see “Sample Abstract” below.
  • Please name your abstract file as:
    LastNameFirstName.doc
    Or:
    LastNameFirstName_Category (number).doc (See below for categories)
  • Register for the conference before submitting your abstract.

 

Sample Abstract

CAN THE FUNGUS Fusarium solani MODULATE TROPHIC CASCADES INVOLVING ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES AND INSECT HERBIVORES? [PUEDE EL HONGO Fusarium solani MODULAR CASCADAS TRÓFICAS QUE INVOLUCRAN NEMATODOS ENTOMOPATÓGENOS Y HERBÍVOROS DE INSECTOS?]. S-Y. Wu1, F. E. El-Borai2,3, J. H. Graham1 and L. W. Duncan1. 1Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, United States, 2Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL, United States, 3 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. sywu@ufl.edu.

Olfactory signals are critical for soil inhabitants to communicate and respond to the environment. In addition to the well-documented volatile cues from herbivores and herbivore-induced plants, the attraction of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to their insect prey can also emanate from other sources. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, two insect-attracting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected from the insect-parasitic fungus Fusarium solani. Bioassays showed that both compounds attract EPNs on a species-specific basis. In two-choice olfactometers, more Steinernema diaprepesi infective juveniles were attracted to both VOCs, whereas the closely related and often sympatric S. khuongi was not. Attraction to the VOCs was greater in saturated soil than in soil at field capacity. Although both compounds are highly attractive to fungivorous insects such as fruit flies, fungus gnats and rove beetles, the non-fungivorous Diaprepes abbreviatus root weevil was strongly repelled by one compound and unresponsive to the other. EPNs may have evolved to exploit these VOCs as a means of encountering fungivorous insects. Non-fungivorous arthropods may have evolved to avoid the compounds. These compounds have the potential of serving as baits to facilitate host finding of fungivorous arthropod pests by EPNs, especially in poorly drained soils where such pests may be prevalent.

 

Additional Information to be included following the abstract narrative

  • Indicate below the abstract narrative either “Oral presentation” or “Poster presentation.”
  • If you wish to have a poster considered for the Student Poster Competition, please note by adding the following beneath the abstract narrative:

“ABSTRACT FOR ENTRY IN STUDENT POSTER COMPETITION”

  • If you wish your talk to be included in a paper session devoted to one of the following topics, simply note the topic number of choice in the abstract file name as noted in the instructions above. Otherwise the scientific committee will select the session.
    1. Integrated nematode management
    2. Nematode Ecology
    3. Nematology in the Nile basin and reclaimed lands
    4. Chemical control of nematodes
    5. Biological control of nematodes
    6. Entomopathogenic nematodes
    7. Plant–nematode interactions
    8. Taxonomy and systematics
    9. Education and training

 

 

New abstracts are no longer being accepted. If you find a problem with the abstract you submitted, please contact the scientific program chair, Ernesto San-Blas esanblas@yahoo.com