Field evaluation of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for sustainable management of white grub, Leucopholis coneophora burm. in coconut

Coconut, Cocos nucifera L. (Palmaceae) is an important perennial crop providing livelihood to many small and marginal farmers in the coastal states of India. The major factor hindering crop production is infestation of white grubs (Leucopholis coneophora Burm.,) in the palm root zone. Currently, management of this pest mostly relies on insecticide application which poses serious environmental hazards. This led to the development of eco-friendly alternative management strategy by utilizing liquid formulation “Kalpa EPN (CPCRI - SC1)” from native entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae. The present study was devised to evaluate the suppressive effect of native EPN against of white grub, L. coneophora. Soil application of ‘Kalpa EPN (CPCRI - SC1) @ 173250, 346500, 693000 and 1039501 IJs/m² palm basin at three monthly intervals per annum over two years (2013 -2014) indicated that treatment with higher dose of 1039501 IJs/m² reduced white grub population by 60.2%. Besides, there was a progressive increase in percent reduction of grubs with increase in EPN concentration and number of years of treatment indicating a dose-induced mortality for the tested formulation. Thus, utilizing EPN as a biological component in white grub IPM programme opens up a new avenue for its sustainable management in coconut.