This study aimed to conduct a laboratory assessment of the association between entomopathogenic nematodes and natural insecticides in the control of Atta sexdens L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in sugarcane. The experimental arenas consisted of plastic containers (80 ml) with a fine-mesh cover where the insects were maintained and the treatments were applied. The following insecticides were tested: Derris Rotenona® CE, Pyroligneous Acid Extract®, Pironim Super® WG, Codipirol®, and Pure Neem Oil®. The following nematodes were assessed: Heterorhabditidis bacteriophora RS58, Steinernema glaseri RS38, and eight isolates Heterorhabditis sp., produced in vivo in Galleria mellonella caterpillars and stored at 15°C. The insecticides Codipirol®, Pure Neem Oil®, and Pyroligneous Extract® caused the highest adult mortality rates in Atta sexdens. Codipirol®, Pure Neem Oil®, and Pyroligneous Acid Extract® showed the lowest lethal times (LT50) against Atta sexdens adults (62, 66, and 75 h, respectively). LC50 of Heterorhabditis sp. AL40 was 2.91 IJs/insect in Atta sexdens adults. The association between S. glaseri RS38 and Codipirol® and between Heterorhabditis sp. AL40 and Pyroligneous Acid Extract® had additive effects on the mortality of Atta sexdens.
