Efficacy of native strains of entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from India

Background The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a notorious polyphagous pest that has recently invaded India in 2018. Within a short period, this pest has spread throughout the country, causing a significant damage to maize. In order to manage this menace, farmers rely on chemical insecticides, but due to concealed feeding nature of this pest insecticides remain ineffective in reaching the target site. In this context, the present study aimed to isolate, characterize and evaluate the reproductive potential of the native strains of entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica against larval instars of S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions. Results Two strains of H. indica isolated and characterized from the rhizosphere of mango and curry leaf trees were designated as CICR-HI-MN and CICR-HI-CL, respectively. Both strains, CICR-HI-CL and CICR-HI-MN showed differential mortality against 3rd (LC 50 value of 21.65, 48.91 IJs/larva), 4th (LC 50 value of 25.46, 52.36 IJs/larva) and 5th (LC 50 value of 59.20, 71.04 IJs/larva) instar larvae of S. frugiperda, respectively. The instar-wise mortality of S. frugiperda showed that 3rd instar was relatively more susceptible compared to 4th and 5th instar larvae. In terms of efficacy, CICR-HI-CL was almost twice effective than CICR-HI-MN when LC 50 and LC 95 values of 3rd instar larvae were compared. However, the reproductive potential of both the strains was significantly higher against 5th instar than the 3rd and 4th instar larvae. Strain CICR-HI-CL was more effective in larval mortality, while nematode reproduction was higher in CICR-HI-MN. Conclusions Native strains of H. indica evaluated in the present study were found effective against larval instars of fall armyworm, S. frugiperda . Higher reproduction on 5th instar larvae demonstrates the ability of these strains to multiply, sustain and perpetuate on late instars of this polyphagous pest and may serve as viable option in integrated pest management program.