The eighteen strains of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) of different geographical regions of Pakistan were evaluated against Galleria mellonella (L.). The corrected mortality, day to the death of larvae, emergence of IJs and reproductive at a concentration approximately 95 IJs/cm² were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The highest mortality (100%) was showed by S. pakistanense (Pak.P.S.13) and H. bacteriophora (Pak.S.H.17), while percentage of larval mortality was varied slightly among strains, ranged from 83.3 ± 5.83% to 100 ± 0.0%.  Time to death of insect also showed a significant effect varying from 5.40 ± 0.07 to 7.07 ± 0.17 days.  The number of days to first IJs emergence also showed significant difference statistically among species. S. pakistanense produced after 5.40 to 6.67 days, 5.24 to 6.50 days for S. siamkayai strains and 7.80 days for H. bacteriophora. Reproduction potential was also varied among nematode strains. In S. pakistanense reproduction ranged from 725 to 1000 IJs/mg larvae, and in S. siamkayai IJs yield ranged from 811 to1000 IJs/mg larvae while in case of H. bacteriophora reproduction rate was 950 IJs/mg larvae. On the basis of cluster analysis Group 3 which included two sub groups (3a and 3b), H. bacteriophora (Pak.S.H.17) of 3a and S. pakistanense (Pak.P.S.13) of 3b showed markedly greater mortality and the least time to the death of insect; highest emergence of IJs and reproduction potential as compared to other strains.

2012, Vol. 30(2): 87-99