Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) against legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The efficacy of six native entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema carpocapsae, S. masoodi, S. seemae, S. mushtaqi, Steinernema sp. (IIPR 04) and Oscheius amsactae were tested against legume pod borer, M. vitrata. Multiplication of tested EPNs on the insect were also evaluated. Among the tested species of EPN, S. masoodi was found more pathogenic to M. vitrata, as it brought about cent percent mortality within 72 h post exposure, followed by S. seemae and S. carpocapsae, after 96 h. S. mushtaqi, Steinernema sp. (IIPR 04) and O. amsactae brought about cent percent mortality within 120h. In case of mass production of infective juveniles of tested EPN, species from this insect showed highest yield of O. amsactae, followed by S. carpocapsae, whereas the lesser number juveniles of S. mushtaqi and Steinernema sp. (IIPR 04) produced from the body of the M. vitrata larva. This opens a new hope of utilizing of EPN in the management of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata.