Mass Multiplication of Entomopathogenic Nematodes on in vitro Solid Media

Abstract

In this study, two Haryana local isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) namely Steinernema abbasi and Heterorhabdus indica were mass multiplied on eight culture media compromising of Wout's medium, Modified Wout's medium I, Modified Wout's medium II, Modified Wout's medium III, Egg yolk medium I, Egg yolk medium II, Modified egg yolk medium and Modified dog biscuit medium and harvested at two different time intervals i.e. at 30 days and 60 days interval. Along with this, studies were also conducted to know the effect of temperature i.e. at 15°C, 20°C and 30 °C on the infective juvenile (IJ) yields. Of the eight media tested, S. abbasi and H. indica both multiplied maximum on modified dog biscuit medium. Wout's medium was second best in IJs yield. Yield was maximum at 30 days and reduced drastically at 60 days. S. abbasi yielded maximum at 25 °C whereas H. indica multiplied maximum at 30 °C. None of the species multiplied at 15 °C.