Comparing the Productivity of Five Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Galleria mellonella
Comparing the Productivity of Five Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Galleria mellonella
Ali Murad Rahoo,1,2,* Tariq Mukhtar,1,3 Shoukat Ibrahim Abro,4 Barkat Ali Bughio5 and Rehana Kanwal Rahoo6
ABSTRACT
The suitability of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents of specific target insects is affected by their level of infectivity and reproductive capacity. Therefore, in the present study the productivity of five entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema feltiae, S. kraussei, S. carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. indica) were compared in Galleria mellonella larvae. The production of infective juveniles (IJ) in G. mellonella was significantly affected by nematode species. Significantly higher numbers of IJ were produced by Heterorhabditid species than Steinernematid species in the cadaver. The production of IJ was the maximum in the case of H. bacteriophora which was not statistically different form H. indica. Minimum IJ were produced by S. feltiae. The IJ produced by S. kraussei and S. carpocapsae were statistically similar. The emergence of Steinernematids started from the 14th day and that of Heterorhabditids from the 17th day. In case of Heterorhabditids, the maximum emergence of H. bacteriophora IJ (199,894) was recorded on the 23rd day and that of H. indica on the 20th day (99,495). On the other hand, in case of Steinernematids, the maximum emergence of IJ of S. feltiae and S. kraussei was recorded on the 17th day (36,180 and 45,225 respectively) and that of S. carpocapsae on the 20th day (21,407). It is concluded that there was greater emergence of IJ from the Heterorhabditid species than those from the Steinernematid species and hence can be used for the management of insect pests.
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April 2018
Vol. 50, Iss. 2, Pages 401-797
