In vitro and field evaluation of some indigenous isolates of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis indica against shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis
Abstract
In vitro studies indicated that the isolates, PDBC EN 3.1 of S. bicornutum, PDBC EN 13.3 of H. indica and PDBC EN 6.11 of S. carpocapsae recorded maximum mortality of L. orbonalis at 50 IJ/larvae in 48 to 72 h of exposure. Other isolates also exhibited lowered mortalty either at higher concentration or at longer duration of exposure. Preliminary field trial with the isolates, PDBC EN 6.1 1 of S. carpocapsae and PDBC EN 6.71 of H. indica on brinjal indicated that higher the concentration of infective juveniles per dose, higher the reduction in borer holes on brinjal fruits and the results were comparable with sprays of neem seed kernel extract. Between the two species evaluated, isolate PDBC EN 6.1 1 ofS. cnrpocnpsne was more effective in reducing the fruit damage in terms of number of fruits with borer holes and increase in yields.
