Changes in Protein Content of Spodoptera Litura Larvae Infected with Steinernema - Xenorhabdus Symbiont Isolated from Marudhamalai Region of Westernghats

Abstract

The polyphagous devastating pest Spodoptera litura was infected in with the bioinsecticide Steinernema - Xenorhabdus symbiont and the larvae were used to analyse the protein content in both infected and control larvae. The EPN - Entomopathogenic nematodes were isolated from Westernghat region of Marudhamalai area and used in this study. The infected larvae after 24 hours were taken along with non infected control S. litura with three replication revealed that the infected had less protein content compared to control. This may be due to the utilization of the protein by the Steinernema - Xenorhabdus symbiont for their growth, development and reproduction.