Effect of Temperature on Longevity of Entomopathogenic Nematodes, Steinernema abbasi and Heterorhabditis indica

In vitro studies on effect of temperature on longevity of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema abbasi and Heteorhabditis indica were conducted. The results revealed that the survival of both the nematodes was highest at 30°C when the exposure period was 15 days. The maximum 85.76% survival of IJs of S. abbasi recorded at 15^th day followed by 82.14% at 30^th day, 79.74% at 45^th day, 75.84% at 60^th day, 72.87% at 75^th day and 70.22% at 90^th day. Similarly maximum (88.09%) survival of IJs of H. indica was observed at 15^th day interval followed by 80.54% at 30^th, day, 80.01% at 45^th day, 76.45% at 60^th day, 74.41% at 75^th day and 72.71% at 90^th day. Survival of both the EPNs gradually declined with an increase in time period. also declined at < 30ºC and > 40ºC.