Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Entomopathogenic Nematode (Steinernema Siamkayai)

Entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis and Steinernema together with their symbiotic bacteria Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus respectively, are obligate and lethal parasites of insect. EPN provide effective biological control of some important pests of commercial crops. A survey was conducted to preserve indigenous Entomopathogenic nematodes in various agricultural fields at Ghaziabad and Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 50 soil samples were collected, 3 soil samples were detected positive using the G. mellonella baiting technique. Identification and confirmation of species was done with molecular studies using PCR, cloning and sequencing of the ITS region of genomic DNA. In the BLAST analysis all three samples were match with Steirnernema siamkayai. The effect of temperature and moisture on the infection of G. mellonella by Steirnernema siamkayai. were determines.25 to 300C temperature were essential for achieving 100 % mortality at 48h and 10 % moisture level was observed 35 % mortality after 48h. The efficacy of both G. mellonella and Maladera insanabillis were observed at 36h.100 % mortality was observed at 100IJs/ G. mellonella and 50 % mortality at 150IJs/ Maladera insanabillis.