Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) under laboratory conditions

In the present study, the virulence of EPN isolate Heterorhabditis indica (CICR-Guava) was evaluated against final larval instar of P. xylostella at treatment dose of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 IJs/larva along with control (sterile distilled water) under laboratory conditions. The maximum mortality obtained was 86.25% at the higher treatment dose of 25 IJs/larva after 72 h, the value of LC₅₀ was 11.88 IJs/larva and the reproductive potential was 2836 IJs per larva at the treatment dose of 25 IJs/larva. Our results revealed that virulence of H. indica (CICR-Guava) differed significantly with dose and exposure time. In conclusion, the indigenous EPN isolate H. indica (CICR-Guava) is virulent enough to produce maximum mortality of larvae of P. xylostella and could potentially be used as biological control agents to sustainably manage the pest.