Occurrence of Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from fields of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam

Abstract

A survey was conducted for isolation of the entomopathogenic nematodes from the fields of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India. During the survey, a total of 200 soil samples were collected from different locations of cultivated as well as uncultivated fields. Out of the total collection, 8 numbers of soil samples were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes with 4% frequency of occurrence. Soil samples recorded Steinernema spp. (2%), Heterorhabditis spp. (1%) and Oscheius spp.(1%). Based on morphological and morphometric studies, the Steinernema isolates were identified as Steinernema aciari and this species was recovered from diverse habitats. The soil of Jorhat may be the reservoir of many more species of EPNs which needs further study.