Formulation of Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema kushidai, their Survival and Infectivity
Jisna George
Department of Nematology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
Gitanjali Devi *
Department of Nematology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
Badal Bhattacharyya
Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The commercialization and large-scale use of EPNs are limited by their short shelf life in formulations and in storage, thus leading to poor quality and reduced efficacy against insects in the field. This study explored the effects of some formulations on survival and infectivity of infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes , Steinernema kushidai at 5 and 25°C for 6 weeks. In the formulations, the survival and virulence rate differed at different temperature with decrease over the period of time. The alginate retained most of the IJs and can be stored for a longer time at 5°C followed by sawdust formulation .From the economic point of view sawdust formulation shows better results.
Keywords: Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema kushidai, formulation, survival, infectivity