Author: A.N. MAHAR*, D.A. DARBAN, M. MUNIR, A.Q. MAHAR, S.R. GOWEN AND N.G.M. HAGUE

Publishing Date: 2005

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 23 Issue 2

ABSTRACT:

The entomopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas putida from Steinernema abbasi and its metabolic secretions were lethal to the Galleria mellonella Larvae. Different laboratory experiments on time interval, substrate, moisture, temperature, dose, penetration of cells, stored and dried metabolites were conducted in and filter paper bioassays. It was concluded that death was probably due to the toxic metabolites. This bacterium and its metabolites were found very effective at 30° C. Penetration of bacterium was ra pid after application on G. mellonella larvae, P. putida cells were recovered from the haemocoele when suspensions containing bacterial cells were applied to the G. mellonella indicating that bacterial symbionts do have a free-living existence and can enter the haemocoele in the absence of nematode vector. Stored metabolite and dried metabolites were found persistent for long time. This bacterium or its toxic secretion can be used for insect control that can be important component of integrated pest management against different insect pests.P. putida and its secretions are suggested as the most appropriate suspension to apply against insect pest control program in tropical ecological regions.