Isolation and Characterization of Steinernema seemae Entomopathogens Against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) from North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Background and Objective: In India, the application of natural Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) are considered potential biological control agents against soil-borne insect pests last 4-5 decades. Local isolates of EPNs have strong potential and are usually more effective for controlling indigenous insect pests as they are adapted to the local environmental conditions and the insect pest species. The present study aims to isolate indigenous EPN from the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India, to test the occurrence and their use as a biological control agent in IPM. Materials and Methods: The distribution, occurrence and diversity of Steinernema seemae entomopathogenic nematode community were investigated and isolation of S. seemae was carried out by using the galleria wax baiting technique and morphological identification methods which reveal that it belongs to the genus Steinernema. Further study was done to examine S. Seemae virulence’s impact on soil temperature and soil moisture. Results: The effect of temperature, 12, 15, 20, 25 30 and 37°C and relative humidity, 35, 55, 85 and 100% on S. seemae was observed and they were listed against the  Helicoverpa armigera  larvae. The results reveal that, at 25°C temperature and 85% relative humidity, S. seemae is a more effective bio-control agent in terms of penetration and multiplication against host  H. armigera larvae under controlled conditions. Conclusion: The EPNs isolated from the soil samples increase the information of S. seemae species showing bio-control activities, which was available for developing suitable bio-control strategies as well as enabling us the recognition of bio-control EPN. EPN species would serve as an alternative to chemical pesticides and fit well in integrated pest management.