Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Roshani Pisda, DK Rana, YK Yadu, Aaliya Afroz, Chetna Khandekar and SM Ali Humayun

Abstract:
One of the challenges in integrating entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) with chemical control is that farmers frequently abuse insecticides due to limited reliable information. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of combining the recommended doses (RD) of insecticides on the efficacy of EPNs against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae as well as looking into differences in the combined action of EPN species and chemical insecticides. The bioefficacy test of the EPN- insecticide mix revealed that indoxacarb had a potentiation response and was less toxic to infective juveniles of Heterorhabditis indica (RS5 and RTR); on the other hand, an additive impact was observed with H. indica (SR2, GA6, and TG1). Deltamethrin and dichlorvos showed severe toxicity effects to infective juveniles in all combinations after being mixed with the H. indica isolates. The tested chemical insecticides and Infective Juveniles of EPNs, showed an additive and potentiating effect and there was no indication of an antagonistic reaction with all combinations. Overall, results indicate the feasibility of the integrated use of these nematode species and chemical pesticides in crop protection.