Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes against the Khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract

Abstract Background The Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is one of the most destructive pests of stored wheat and barley worldwide. The broad practice of insecticides has been connected with insect resistance development coupled with the renaissance treated primary insects, environmental contamination, and toxicity to animals, man and other non-target organisms. These harms have invigorated the usage of alternative methods of managing this insect pest. Results For biocontrol potential, four species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) were tested: Steinernema pakistanense PCSIR-10, S. bifurcatum PCSIR-39, S. saimkayai PCSIR-6 and S. abbasi PCSIR-17, against adult and larval stages of Khapra beetle under laboratory conditions. At 250 IJs/ml, S. pakistanense and S. bifurcatum caused 100 and 90% at larval stages and 92 and 89% against adult beetles, respectively. Conclusion This study documented that EPNs had a potential to control stored grain pest and could be utilized as alternatives of insecticides, which provide an adequate control of insect pest at postharvest stage, but in future more experiment will be required in commercial storage conditions.

Keywords

• The Khapra beetle
• Trogoderma granarium
• Entomopathogenic nematodes
• Biocontrol agent
• Potential