Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Galleria mellonella L.

Abstract

Comparative efficacy of three natively isolated entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) species viz., Heterorhabditis indica (MK078602), Steinernema abbasi (MK078603) and Steinernema siamkayai (MK078604) (Nematoda: Rhabditida) isolated from districts of Uttar Pradesh were evaluated against wax moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae under laboratory conditions. EPNs of selected concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 IJs/larva in 1 ml of distilled water) were applied against the 5th instar larvae using petridish bioassay. LC50 and LC90 values were analyzed at different periods of inoculation. All three natively isolated EPNs strains were observed to cause mortality at various doses and times after inoculation. Maximum mortality was observed after 48hr of inoculation in the minimum dose (IJs/larva). Among the three species- strains; strain Heterorhabditis indica (LD50 4.603 IJs/larva, 13.811 IJs/larva) was found to be the most effective followed by Steinernema abbasi (LD50 7.118 IJs/LD90 larva, LD90 24.607 IJs/larva) and S. siamkayai (LD50 10.663 IJs/larva, LD90 39.354 IJs/larva) after 48hr after inoculation.