Screening
of newly isolated indigenous entomopathogenic
nematodes
against Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
R.
Pervez1*, D. Sagar2 and Rajkumar3
1Division
of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110
012, India
2Division
of Entomology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110
012, India
3Division
of Crop Protection, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod-671 124 , India
Received: 21 February 2024
Revised: 13 May 2024 Accepted: 05 July 2024
*Corresponding Author Email : rashidpervez2003@gmail.com
*ORCiD:
https://orcid.org/000-0002-2941-7606
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Abstract
Aim:
Insecticides
have traditionally been used to control S. litura, although bio-pesticides as
alternative control measures are also in demand due to soil residual issues
and other environmental dangers. Another safe technique for controlling this
important pest is entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs).
Methodology:
This
study evaluated the infectivity of ten native recently isolated
entomopathogenic nematodes against S. litura by assessing their
penetration and multiplication in S. litura. The efficiency of the
promising EPNs against second, third and fourth instars S. litura
larvae was further examined.
Results:
Among
the tested EPNs, Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03), Heterorhabditis
sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06), and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 07) were intensely
harmful to S. litura, producing 100 percent mortality in 72 hrs,
followed by Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 09), which caused 92 percent
mortality, and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 10) was the least pathogenic
recording 58 percent mortality. Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06)
showed the maximum penetration, followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP
07) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), with Oscheius sp.
(IARI-EPN RP 04) showed the least penetration. The second instar larvae of S.
litura were highly vulnerable to EPNs, followed by third and fourth
instar larvae. According to the findings, Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP
03) and Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) were most virulent against S.
litura.
Interpretation:
As
a result, both EPNs have the potential to act as biological control agents
for S. litura. Furthermore, the fifth instar S. litura larva
were more suited for multiplication, indicating that this insect is suitable
for EPN production. Field testing of these promising EPNs will reveal their
efficacy in managing S. litura in a sustainable manner.
Key
words: Bio-pesticides,
Entomopathogenic nematodes, Heterorhabditis, Insects, Oscheius,
Steinernema
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