title: Natural occurrence and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in Nepal.
abstract: A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) was conducted for the first time in Nepal during June-December 2007. EPN were recovered from 29 of the 276 soil samples (10.50%). Molecular and morphological tools were used to identify the isolates. Among 29 positive samples, seven samples (24.14%) yielded heterorhabditids (Heterorhabditis indica) and 22 samples (75.86%) contained steinernematids. Among steinernematids, seven isolates were identified as one of four described species (Steinernema abbasi, S. cholashanense, S. feltiae and S. siamkayai) whereas 15 isolates did not fit any description. H. indica was recovered from diverse habitats. Distribution of steinernematids has followed ecological niches and localized areas.
authors.affiliation: District Agriculture Development Office, Dolpa, Department of Agriculture, Nepal.
authors.forename: Hari Bahadur
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Khatri-Chhetri
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Waeyenberge
authors.forename: Hira Kaji
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Manandhar
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009348:Nematoda / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D009390:Nepal; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil