Eco-friendly management of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tomato under polyhouse and field conditions using Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, their associated bacteria (Photorhabdus luminescens), and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki

Abstract Background Insect pests cause substantial agriculture losses annually, and their regulation through chemical pesticides instigates a prolonged detrimental impact on the environment human health. The upsurge in difficulties such as pesticide residue, soil degradation pest resistance acted pacesetter for research biological control with prime focus entomopathogens. To aid knowing biocontrol potential of these creatures, present work deals applications entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora EUPT-SD, bacteria (EPBs) Photorhabdus luminescens Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against 4th larval instar Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) laboratory experiment, polyhouse well field condition. Results results demonstrated that EPB, P. , caused highest 100% mortality at concentration 5 × 10 2 CFU/ml after 96 h infection, followed by B. which resulted 98% 92% treatment H. EUPT-SD (140IJs/ml) under bioassay study. In evaluation tests, again was recorded most effective, respectively. It found treated plots experienced lesser damage when compared to non-treated plots. Conclusion Applications pathogens are nature friendly proficient alternative synthetic insecticides. is suggested from investigation use best agent overcome local problems this region because it safe animals, humans, non-target insect pests, plants, environment.