Evaluation of local isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of spodoptera litura (Fab.) and plutella xylostella L
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Date
2009
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Publisher
CCSHAU
Abstract
The present investigations were undertaken for the management of Spodoptera litura (Fab.)
and Plutella xylostella L. by indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)
under in vitro and screen-house conditions on cabbage.
Fifty samples collected from vegetable fields in and around Hisar and Bhiwani, yielded three
EPN isolates. These were identified as Steinernema abbasi (Isolate SU-2), S. abbasi (SU-3),
Steinernema sp. (SU-1). These three EPN isolates along with Heterorhabditis indica
(procured) were tested against major insect pests such as S. litura, P. xylostella, Achroia
grisella, Earias vittella, Corcyra cephalonica, Helicoverpa armigera and Galleria mellonella for
host range studies. All the isolates were lethal to insect pests exposed but pathogenicity
varied among them.
In pathogenicity studies using filter paper and sand barrier methods on S. litura and P.
xylostella, the larval mortality increased with EPN dose and time of exposure. Among isolates,
S abbasi (SU-3) proved best in filter paper as well as sand barrier methods against both test
insects. In sand barrier method, larval mortality was more even at lower doses of EPNs.
Temperature had a positive effect on larval mortality by EPN isolates. H. indica was most
effective and caused 96.7 per cent larval mortality in S. litura and 96.3 per cent in P.
xylostella.
In screen-house studies, involving foliar spray of EPNs on cabbage, the larval mortality
started after 48 h and it was highest by S. abassi (Su-2) at 72 h.
In general, yield of infective juveniles of EPNs in all the experiments increased with time,
dose and temperature.
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Keywords
Biological phenomena, Animal developmental stages, Parasites, Pathogens, Land resources, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera litura, Planting, Sand, Paper