Optimization of Conditions for Maximum Population Index of Heterorhabditis indica in Modified Wout's Substrate for the Control of Heiicoverpa armigera

摘要

Increased emphasis is being laid on Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in recent years in India because of their usefulness in the management of insect pests in various crops including cotton. Amongst the crops grown in India, the pesticide consumptionis highest in cotton and hence all possibilities are being explored to reduce the consumption of pesticides in insect pest control. Utilization of bioagents, which besides being able to control insect pests in cotton could also help in lowering pesticideresidual toxicity to mammalians, avoiding contamination of perennial sources of water and also help in maintenance of eco-friendly environment. Attempts have been made in the past to identify potential of EPN in various crops (Gaugler and Kay a, 1990; Poinar et al, 1992; Vyas et al, 2001; Sharma et al, 2005; Jothi and Mehta, 2006) and especially in cotton crop (Gokte-Narkhedkar et al., 2004). However, studies by various workers in India (Gokte-Narkhedkar et al. 2004) are encountered with difficulties in the maintenance and mass multiplication of highly virulent infective juveniles for field application.