In vivo evaluation of indigenous strain of heterorhabditis indica against holotrichia serrata f.

The root feeding white grub of Holotrichia serrata F. causes serious damage in sugarcane, groundnut and maize, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are effective against this pest. In the present study the native strain of EPN Heterorhabditis indica (MK078602) was isolated from village Sabitgarh, Bulandshahar district in Uttar Pradesh. Its efficacy was evaluated against H. serrata under laboratory conditions. Infective Juveniles in selected concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 IJs/larva of H. rhabdita in 100g were applied to the 1^st and 2^nd instar grubs using surface soil incorporation method. LD₅₀ and LD₉₀values were analyzed at different time inoculation. The results revealed maximum mortality with LD₅₀of 89.601 and LD₉₀ of226.200 for 1^st instar; and LD₅₀ 115.050 and LD₉₀ 722.164 IJs for 2^nd instar after 168 hr of inoculation at the minimum dose (IJs/ grub).