Native Philippine Heterorhabditis indica isolates from banana and rice fields and preliminary results of their virulence against the larvae of super worm (Zophobas morio Fabricius Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract Background Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae are used as biological control agents several insect pests in lieu synthetic pesticides. Results Using an insect-baiting technique, naturally occurring EPN isolates were collected from banana rice fields municipality Hagonoy, Philippines. A total 4 recovered all sites namely, HBP1, HBP2, HR3 HR4. By combining morphometrical ITS rDNA data, identified Heterorhabditis indica . To initially assess their infectivity, virulence tests conducted on last instar larvae super worm, Zophobas morio Fabricius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), model insect. isolate had highest percentage mortality (56%), followed by HBP1 HBP2 (33%), which comparable to available nematode market, bacteriophora (44%), whereas lowest was obtained HR4 (11%). Conclusions This study accounted more H addition pre-existing country, expanding its habitat range geographic distribution. also provides baseline information potential biocontrol utilization native EPNs against soil-dwelling agricultural crops. Further investigations required efficacy other economic importance for integrated pest management (IPM) programmes country.