Compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Rhabditida) with pesticides and their infectivity against lepidopteran insect pest

Studies on the effect of aqueous suspension of the insecticides (Endosulfan and Monocrotophos), fungicide (Mancozeb), weedicide (Pendimenthilene) and botanical (Nemmarin) on the activity of infective juveniles of Steinernema masoodi, S. seemae, S. carpocapsae and S. mushtaqi and infectivity of IJs pre exposed to these pesticides against Corcyra cephalonica larva were carried out under laboratory condition. The aqueous suspensions of these pesticides were prepared as per the field recommended doses along with control (exposed to water). Results show that, S. mushtaqi was found more compatible with all tested pesticides followed by S. masoodi and S. seemae. However, S. carpocapsae was found least compatible with tested pesticides. Immobility of IJs increased when increase the exposure period. Maximum number of inactive juveniles was recorded after 72 h exposure. Among the tested pesticides, Endosulfan is more affective on the activity of the juveniles followed by Monocrotophos. While, Nemmarin showed less effective on the activity of the IJs. The infectivity of 24 h pesticides exposed IJs was not much affected against C. cephalonica larva as compare to control. Among the tested pesticide, all tested IJs of EPN shows less infectivity when exposed with Endosulfan followed by Monocrotophos. However, Pendimenthlin and Nemmarin exposed infective juveniles found more pathogenic to rice moth larva.