Pathogenicity of Pakistani isolates of Steinernema bifurcatum and S. affine (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in management of stored grain pests Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae, Tenebrionidae)

Abstract Background Stored grain products suffer a considerable economic loss due to insect infestations. The resistance of pests insecticide, and residues on crops are produced by the application insecticide. Nowadays, incremental necessity has been occurred find out alternatives chemicals. As biological control agents, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) attract attention increasingly in research area recently. Results aim study was evaluate pathogenicity Pakistani isolates Steinernema bifurcatum S. affine against stored pests, Tribolium castaneum Lasioderma serricorne , under laboratory conditions. Suspensions were applied at 4 different concentrations 0, 50, 100, 200 IJs/ml 3 variable temperatures 15, 30, 45°C. Pathogenicity rate recorded after 48 h application. larval stage is found more susceptible than adult. At IJs, showed high mortality L. larva (92%) T. (93%), whereas 90 95% larva, respectively, IJs. results revealed that both species EPN able reproduce . Maximum 45 °C from 15 °C. Conclusions Therefore, could be suggested as agent for hot cold climatic zones, respectively.