Method for Biological Control of insect pests by Phasmarhabditis pakistanensis n.s.p. a new entomopathogenic nematode.

Abstract

This invention relates to the composition of a new insect parasitic or biological control agent belonging to the genus Phasmarhabditis (200-400 infective stage juveniles) of dead and live infective stage juveniles for use as biopesticides against Wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella larvae ) and American bollworm (Heliothis armigera). Nematodes were collected from dead insects, identified, and described as a new species, Phasmarhabditis pakistanensis. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following characters: in males, the spicule is shorter than the tail, with three pairs of bursal papillae lying preanal; in females, a medium-sized body and an anterior vulva. A biopesticide composition is provided which comprises an insecticidally effective amount (200-400 infective stage juveniles / ml) of Phasmarhabditis pakistanensis.