Chemoattraction in Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Attraction of infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema seemae and S. carpocapsae towards lepidopteran insect pests viz., 2^nd instar larva of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata and blue butterfly, Lampides boeticus were tested in petridish. Results show that, both species of EPNs were found positive attraction responses towards test insects. Among test EPNs, S. seemae was found more responsive towards insect pests than S. carpocapsae. The maximum attraction of S. seemae was recorded towards H. armigera (81%), followed by L. boeticus (62%) and M. vitrata (41%). In case of S. carpocapsae, maximum attraction responses towards H. armigera (60%), whereas least towards M. vitrata (41%). The attraction behaviour of entomopathogenic nematodes vary between species to species.