Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis indica for their virulence against Spodoptera litura

The 3^rd and 4^th instar larvae of Spodoptera litura were exposed to infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs @ 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 IJs cm⁻² under laboratory condition. Both the species of EPNs showed higher activity against 4^th instar larvae of S. litura than to 3^rd instar lavae. Heterorhabditis indica caused significantly higher mortality at lower IJs level than Steinernema corpocapse. The reproductive potential of nematode was not affected by the level of IJs.