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Susceptibility of diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella (L) to entomopathogenic nematodes
Abstract:
Eight entomopathogenic nematode species / strains, Steinernema glaseri (steiner), S. carpocapsae (Weiser), S. feltiae (Filipjev), Steinernema sp. Ecomax strain, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Pioner), Heterorhabditis sp. Ecomax strain, two locally isolated strains called as JFC and TFC were tested against the final instar larvae of diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). All nematodes were found pathogenic. However, H. bacteriophora was adjudged the most pathogenic amongst the test nematodes on the basis of LD50 (9.16 IJS/larva), LT50 (43.26 hr), Lex T50 (3.24 hr) and the propagation potential (average of 271.42 IJS/mg) on the host body weight.
Insights
Eight entomopathogenic nematode species were tested against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora showed the highest pathogenicity, making it a promising biological control agent.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Nematology
- Biological Control
Background:
- The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is a significant agricultural pest.
- Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are natural enemies of insects and potential biological control agents.
- Evaluating different EPN species and strains is crucial for effective pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pathogenicity of eight EPN species/strains against Plutella xylostella final instar larvae.
- To identify the most effective EPN for controlling diamondback moth populations.
Main Methods:
- Testing eight EPN species/strains: Steinernema glaseri, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, Steinernema sp. Ecomax, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis sp. Ecomax, JFC, and TFC.
- Assessing pathogenicity based on Lethal Dose 50 (LD50), Lethal Time 50 (LT50), and propagation potential.
- Utilizing final instar larvae of Plutella xylostella as the target host.
Main Results:
- All tested EPNs exhibited pathogenicity against Plutella xylostella larvae.
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora demonstrated the highest pathogenicity.
- Key metrics for H. bacteriophora: LD50 (9.16 IJS/larva), LT50 (43.26 hr), Lex T50 (3.24 hr), and propagation potential (271.42 IJS/mg).
Conclusions:
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is the most effective entomopathogenic nematode tested against Plutella xylostella.
- H. bacteriophora shows significant potential as a biological control agent for diamondback moth management.
- Further research into large-scale application of H. bacteriophora is warranted.
