Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema dharanaii N.R. (TFRIEPN-15) on greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella

Infectivity and progeny production by new-to-science native entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema dharanaii sp. n.r. (TFRIEPN-15) was evaluated against the wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella in different dose levels. Early last instar wax moth larvae were exposed to doses ranging from 3 to 30 IJs larva⁻¹ for evaluation of infectivity and 3 to 200 IJs larva⁻¹ for progeny production. The lowest dose of 3 IJs larva⁻¹ caused 44.00% mortality and highest mortality of 100% was obtained at 24 IJs larva⁻¹ and 30 IJs larva⁻¹. While the production of IJs of the next progeny was proportional to increase in EPN doses exposed, but this dose-dependent increase in progeny production was only up to a dose. The cadavers exposed to minimum dose of 3 IJs Larva⁻¹ produced 57, 400 IJs, whereas, the highest dose 200 IJs larva⁻¹ allowed progeny production of only 39, 320 IJs larva⁻¹. The LC₅₀, LC₉₀ and LT₅₀, LT₉₀ were also calculated.