Bioefficacy of Steinernema abbasi and Heterorhabditis indica against white grubs (Holotrichia consanguinea) in groundnut of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

White grub (Holotrichia consanguinea) is a significant pest that causes damage to all the kharif crops, especially groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Rajasthan’s semi-arid region. The bioefficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema abbasi (Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis indica (Heterorhabditidae) was carried out in both invitro and invivo conditions at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI) Durgapura, Jaipur. Bioefficacy of H. indica against white grub revealed that the grub mortality reached up to 64% at a higher concentration of 250 IJs/ml and the plant mortality in field conditions reduced up to 28% at 250 IJs/ml. Heterorhabditis indica outperformed Steinernema abbasi in terms of white grub infectivity. Keywords: Groundnut, White grub, Holotrichia consanguinea, Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema abbasi, Heterorhabditis indica