The Efficiency of Aboriginal Entomopathogenic Nematodes from Semi-Arid Zone Against Tenebrionidae Larvae with Comparison to Commercial Bio-Insecticides

Chemical insecticides are intensively used in agriculture which cause negative effects on environmental sustainability by increasing pest tolerance and continuous action local fauna. In contrast to chemical insecticides, biological target specific pests, minimizing their impact the surrounding environment. However, most of natural available market expensive for farmers Central Asian region. This study is first evidence effectiveness entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) from arid zone northern Kazakhstan that can be as an alternative export EPN products. The laboratory experiment conducted with two commercial Steinernema feltiae carpocapsae, applied larvae Tenebrionidae. design randomized four doses (100, 200, 300, 400 IJ/cm2) a control (without EPN). According results, one out EPNs (AF29 at dose 100 caused high mortality rate (67%) among larvae. finding confirms compete potentially insecticidal agents.