Agrotis EPN Data

The present study was, undertaken with the objective to assess the virulence of local isolates of EPNs of Himachal Pradesh, Heterorhabditis sp. against black cut worm, Agrotis segetum in order to minimize the use of insecticides during crop protection. Against L3-5 of A. segetum, H. indica was found highly effective, resulting into 33.33-93.33 per cent mortality at 40 IJs/larva after 96 hours of treatment. Among local isolates, Heterorhabditis sp. (HSG) influenced maximum mortality of L3 and L4, whereas in L5, H. bacteriophora (HRJ) influenced maximum mortality. The sensitivity of L3 to different entomopathogenic nematodes was 7.0-16.6 % higher as compared to L4. In soil bioassay carried out against L4 of A. segetum, H. bacteriophora (HRJ) was found highly effective followed by Heterorhabditis sp. (HKM) and Heterorhabditis sp. (HSG) at 10000 IJs/kg of soil. The mortality varied from 78.33-81.67 % after 7 days of treatment with local isolates.