Abstract
Native entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) were evaluated for the management of three selected pests, Sesamia calamistis, Spodoptera frugiperda and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in laboratory bioassays. The EPNs were isolated from soils from various locations within Ibadan, Nigeria using the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) as insect bait. A two-factor laboratory experimental assay was laid out in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. The EPN suspension was applied on insect larvae with distilled water as control. Number of days to mortality, percentage mortality of insect larvae, and total EPN population of infective juveniles (IJs) recovered from larval cadavers were assessed and reproductive factor (RF) determined. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were separated using Tukey’s Studentized Range Test at P G. mellonella (5075.08), >S. frugiperda (3957.23), >S. calamistis (742.31). From the results, EPN had the greatest fecundity in G. mellonella and R. ferrugineus showing higher ability to be recycled. This study reveals the potential of native EPNs as a biocontrol agent of insect pests and emphasizes the need for a more environment-friendly and sustainable approach to insect pest management.
Highlights
Cultivation of plants for the production of food and fibre, needed for man’s survival, is an age-long practice
By 10 days post-inoculation, no mortality was observed in all non- infected insect larvae in the Petri-dishes with a few larvae pupating in case of S. calamistis while those inoculated with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) died within 3 – 9 days after inoculation (Fig. 1)
The initial levels of inoculum and body tissue of the insects’ larvae both play a complementary role in influencing the incidence of early mortality (Krishna, 2005). This was confirmed from the results obtained where relatively large-sized larvae of R. ferrugineus died later than other tested insects, (G. mellonella, S. calamistis, S. frugiperda), with smaller larval size
Summary
Cultivation of plants for the production of food and fibre, needed for man’s survival, is an age-long practice. The two treatments were insects’ larvae species (G. mellonella, S. calamstis, S. frugiperda, R. ferrugineus), and entomopathogenic nematode inoculation with non-inoculated (uninfected) control.
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