In Vitro Exploration of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biocontrol Agents of Brinjal Borer Leucinodes Orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Leucinodes orbonalis is a potential pest of eggplant, commonly known as fruit and shoot borer. Owing to its devastating nature, chemical pesticides are frequently applied and insecticide pressure is significantly higher in developing nations. Keeping the current situation in mind the most effective and practical strategy for managing insect pests found in humid and subtropical environments is the bio-control. Entomopathogenic nematodes, has been utilized against many pests for their effective management. Keeping in view the biocidal potential of entomopathogenic nematodes, the current study was planned to explore the biocidal potential of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, two significant genera of entomopathogenic nematodes against L. orbonalis. White trap extraction technique was used to isolate nematodes from several insect larvae. Four discrete concentrations of entomopathogenic nematodes viz. 60, 90, 120, and 150 infective juveniles per larvae were applied on larval stages. The virulence trial was followed by completely randomized block design. Multiple comparisons showed that among both the tested nematodes H. bacteriophora induced significant 81.33% mortality corresponding to 150 IJs/larva after 72 h of exposure as compared to S. glaseri. In the view of current research, entomopathogenic nematodes are recommended to be used in integrated pest management program for the management of insect pests.