Abstract

In order to study the occurrence of insect pathogens associated with the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera Cramer (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae) a survey was conducted during 1983-1985 in Nilambur and Trichur Forest Divisions of Kerala. Based on this study, two bacterial pathogens namely Bacillus thuringiensis and Enterobacter aerogenes infecting field population of H. puera are reported,. In the laboratory culture of the pest, infection by two bacteria, viz. Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed. All these four bacteria were isolated in pure culture and pathogenicity confirmed in artificial inoculation trials. Preliminary laboratory studies indicated that B. thuringiensis is the most effective bacterium in causing mortality of the larvae of H. puera. Potential of these organisms in biological control of H. puera is discussed