RRP 2

Abstract

Obj 1: Collection of EPN strains and testing the virulence on different life stages of Spodoptera litura and Liriomyza trifolii

(a) Multiplication of bait insects(Galleria melonella) and EPN strains • Greater wax moth larvae were used for multiplication of entomopathogenic nematodes and also in soil baiting for EPNs. • Base insect cultures were collected from naturally infested honey combs and were multiplied on honey combs as well as on artificial diet. • Adult insects emerged were collected in a box for egg laying. The eggs laid were inoculated into diet for multiplication. Pupae in artificial diet were collected in a separate box for adults. • Growth of the Insects was same in natural and artificial diet. • Two EPN species, Steinernema carpocapse and Heterorhabditis indica were obtained from NIPHM, Hyderabad and they were multiplied on 4th stage Galleria larvae • Larvae were infected with EPNs and dead larvae were kept on white’s trap for nematode emergence. • Infective juveniles emerged into water were collected and stored at 25±2ºc a. Collection, Isolation and identification of native EPN strains from oilseed crop ecosystems • Soil samples were collected from fields of IIOR. Sample was taken from top 10-20 cm soil. • Soil samples collected were baited with 4th stage Galleria larvae and were checked every 24 hours for insect mortality. Dead and intact insect cadavers were collected and kept on white’s trap for nematode emergence. • Total 60 samples were collected and one sample was found positive to EPNs. b. Testing the virulence of different EPNs on different life stages of S. litura and L. trifolii under lab conditions: • Three EPN isolates S.carpocapsae, H.indica and IIOR isolate were tested against 2nd 3rd 4th pupal stage of S.litura and pupal stage of L.trifolii. • Infective juveniles were inoculated @100 ijs per larva/pupa. Mortality was observed from 24 hours post infection. • Fourth instar larvae of S.litura were found more susceptible when compared to other instars. • Pupa of S.litura and L.trifolii were not infected by EPNs@100 ijs/pupa.