Attraction behaviour of entomopathogenic nematodes towards different Lepidopteran insect pests

Studies on the attraction of infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema masoodi and Steinernema sp. (IIPR 03) towards 2nd instar larva of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, greater wax moth, Galleria. mellonella and rice moth, C. cephalonica were tested in petri dish. Results showed that, both species of EPNs were found to have positive attraction responses towards test insects. Among test species of EPNs, Steinernema sp. (IIPR 03) was found more responsive towards H. armigera, G. mellonella and C. cephalonica than S. masoodi. The maximum attraction of Steinernema sp. (IIPR 03) was found towards H. armigera (42 %), followed by G. mellonella (34 %) and C. cephalonica (31%). In case of S. masoodi responses towards H. armigera (34%) was more, whereas least attraction responses towards G. mellonella (31%) and C. cephalonica (27%). The attraction behaviour of entomopathogenic nematodes vary between species to species.