Potential of two indigenous strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, (Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) against the tomato leafminer (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), under laboratory and greenhouse environmental bioassay

Abstract The tomato leafminer ( Tuta Absoluta ) is an important pest of tomato crops which have features like; high reproductive potential, Invasive species are major threats to agronomic and natural ecosystems. Based on the pathogenicity of strains, only two isolates effectively show larvicidal activity. The native isolate was obtained from soil samples, collected from Rajgarh, Hamachi Pradesh, India. Petri dish bioassay use nematodes S. feltiae HR1 and H. bacteriophora HR2 species dose (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160/ IJs/cm 2 ). The (%) 1st instar larval mortality was ranged from 24.15 to 85.38%. 2nd instar from 29.87 to 90.00%. 3rd instar from 24.15 to 90.00%. 4th instar from 31.53 to 90.00% and pupae stage mortality was ranged from 31.53 to 85.38%. Larvicidal activity after 48- and 72-hours exposure, the S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora (1.0, 1.30, 1.60, 1.90, 2.20/IJs/cm 2 ) showed potent larvicidal activity with LC 50, LC 75 and LC 90 of all instars and pupa show high mortality. The strain inhibits the larval and pupal development 48 to 72 hr exposer time with LC 50 range from 05.42 to 23.67, LC 75 20.29 to 83.12, LC 90 16.52 to 98.89. Green house test is using the seam isolate of EPNs (HR1, HR2) on foliar application it caused by significant mortality results. These studies demonstrate the challenge for invasive species. The local indigenous strains of EPNs ( S. feltiae HR1, H. bacteriophora HR2) as a good biocontrol agent against invasive pest of T. absoluta.