Isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes from fruit orchards in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh

The studies were conducted to isolate and identify entomopathogenic nematodes from fruit orchards in Solan and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh. Fifty six soil samples were collected from different localities and accessed for the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes using the soil baiting technique. Eleven soil samples (19.64%) collected from four locations were found to be positive for the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes. Six samples (10.71%) contained species of Heterorhabditis which was identified as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Five samples (8.93%) yielded Steinernema spp. One of the species was identified as S feltiae. One of the sites surveyed was found positive for both Heterorhabditis and Steinerenema.