Effect of different insect hosts on multiplication of Steinernema carpocapsae

Investigation on mass multiplication of S. carpocapsae was undertaken on differenthost viz. rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica), greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura). Results showed that, on the basis of yield of IJs on per mg body weight of cadaver maximum 572.00 IJs of S. carpocapsae produced on G. mellonella, followed by 568.00 IJs and 554.00 IJs on S. litura and H. armigera respectively. Whereas, minimum 542.00 IJs on C. cephalonica. Therefore, on the basis of yield of IJs per mg body weight of cadaver, G. mellonella was found to be the most suitable host for mass production of S. carpocapsae.