Multiplication and evaluation of the pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic nematode heterorhabditis bacteriophora in black palm weevil larvae at the laboratory level.

Abstract

This work evaluates the pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditís bacteriophora in larvae of the black palm weevil (Cosmopolites sordídus), as an option for biological control of insect pests affecting agricultural crops. In this regard, the breeding of Gallería mellonella was implemented for the reproduction of this nematode and the result of the infestation was 100% after 48 hours. Similarly, the reproduction of larvae of the black weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) and the corn earworm (Spodopterajiugiperda) was established as an alternative for multiplication. The larvae of Gallería mellonella had the highest number of nematode juveniles, obtaining an average of 271,524.4 individuals in each one at a temperature of 27 to 28 ºC and a relative humidity of 71%. In relation to pathogenicity, we can affirm that 96 hours after infecting the larvae of Cosmopolites sordidus with 1000 Heterorhaditís bacteriophora nematodes, there was 100% mortality.