Summary: | The evaluation of the ecological characteristics of local entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) Steinernema sp. using
one-way classification experimental design was performed in this study. Infective juveniles (IJs) were maintained by in vivo
culture, and its viability test at six storage temperatures, nine levels of pH and six levels of humidity were determined. The best
viability was further tested for its pathogenicity on Macrotermes sp. Pathogenicity LC50 was calculated using Probit analysis.
ANOVA was used to analyse the viability of IJs in all ecological parameters. The statistical analysis showed that viability of IJs
was significant in all of the ecological parameters (LSD test; α < 0.05). The optimum viability of IJs was obtained at the temperature ranged from 21-27 °C ; pH 7.5-8.0 and moisture level of 80-100 %. Based on the Probit analysis, the pathogenicity
LC50 was achieved at concentration 242 IJs/ml in 48 hours.
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