Mass Propagation of Two Entomopathogenic Nematode Species on Different Larval Species in Relation to The Resultant Yield of Nematode Juveniles

Abstract

The 5 th instar larvae of each of the four insect species were assayed about their capability to play as host for mass propagation of juveniles of two beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) species; Heterorabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae in the laboratory at 25 ˚C and 65±5 % R.H. After exposure of larvae at the rate of 1000 IJs/ 5 larvae, daily microscope inspections were carried out until larval mortality and penetration of the new IJs out from the host larvae. Counts of the newly emerged juveniles were carried out periodically and successively (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after starting emergence). Larvae of Galleria mellonella manifested the shortest period from exposure to IJs until larval mortality (2 days),