Abstract
Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) found in a variety of soil types, geographical regions, and hosts, which belong to the genera Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae, have the potential to act as biocontrol agents. In comparison to chemical and microbial pesticides, they performed better. A total of 87 soil samples were taken from regions where maize was grown in Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, India and they were examined for the presence of EPN in 2022–2023. By using the Corcyra baiting approach, a total of 9 samples (10.33%) showed EPN-positive sites. A total of 8 Steinernema sp. (13.33%) and 1 Heterorhabditis sp. (5.00%) were isolated from that population. EPN is identified at a generic level using the cadaver’s colour. Heterorhabditis displays brick red, while Steinernema exhibits creamy white. At a dose of 100–600 IJs/larva for the third and fifth instar, the isolated efficient native EPN strain (Kayathar strain) demonstrated mortality of 95.00–100.00% and 94.50–99.80%. According to the study, EPN showed considerable potent against Spodoptera frugiperda. So, EPNs may be used as a promising bio-control agent to battle pests of the maize crop.
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