Effect of entomopathogenic nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora on galleria mellonella in bee hives of apis mellifera

Abstract

Background: Wax worms caused economically damage in storage wax, chemicals which uses in control caused bad effect on stored bee honey inside combs. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on Galleria mellonella (Gm) in the natural bee hives. Materials and Methods: Seven different inoculum levels of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) (100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 Ijs mL-1) were investigated on wax worms (Gm), larvae and adult of honey bees Apis mellifera inside the bee hives for 1 and 2 times. Results: The highest mortality percentage were 90 and 100% when 5000 Ijs mL-1. were used for once and twice, respectively. On the other hand, the EPNs didnʼt effect on larvae or adult of honey bees. The initial population (Pi), final population (Pf) and rate of reproduction (Rr) were affected with the increase of EPNs inoculum levels and duplication of treatment. The Pi was 648.00 and 766.67 per insect cadaver at 5000 IJs for 1 and 2 times. The highest Pf was 61083.33 and 246166.7 when 2000 IJs were used for 1 and 2 times, respectively. Conclusion: The high concentration of EPNs cause 100% mortality for G. mellonella and there is no side effect on larvae or adult of honey bees. The EPNs can be used to control G. mellonella instead of chemicals without worried about honey bee.