Bioefficiency and Progeny Production of Some Entomopathogenic Nematode Isolates against Lepidopteran Insect Pests

Twelve indigenous entomopathogenic nematode populations were screened for their efficacy against larvae of some important lepidopteran insect pests viz., Plutella xylostella, Opisina arenosella, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and Phthorimaea operculella larvae in lab. Potential of the nematode species and isolates against each pest was assessed by the mortality of host larvae and establishment and development of nematodes in the host. Reproductive capacity of different nematodes species and isolates in each insect was evaluated by estimating the final yield of infective juveniles after infection.