Reproductive potential of some local entomopathogenic nematode isolates from different cropping system on Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.)

Abstract

The survey of EPN from different cropping systems revealed that the presence of EPN was found prominent in case of sorghum, soybean, chilli and okra cropping systems. The samples sent for identification confirmed EPN species is Heterorhabditids indica in Akola vicinity. H. armigera were exposed to 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 IJs /larvae concentration of each EPN isolates to test reproductive potential EPN isolates. Nematodes were harvested using White Traps. Highest multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes was also recorded in 3rd instar larvae when infected with EPN isolates from soybean and sorghum crop ecosystems, respectively. The maximum number of Infective Juveniles (IJs) was harvested from 3rd larval instar which was infected with 200 IJs/larvae concentration.