THE RECOVERY OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES FROM SELECTED AREAS WITHINPENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Soil sampling was conducted within Peninsular Malaysia with the aim of recovering entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorha bditidae). Extensive sampling was performed in the Cameron Highlands, which are climatically distinct from the lowlands, and characterized b y lower temperature and humidity. The major areas sampled in the lowla nds were at the campus of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (orchards and plantations), Puchong (secondary rainforest) and along the east coast of the country. Entomopathogenic nematodes were recovered using the Ga lleria mellonella baiting method. Nematodes were recovered from 10% of the 425 samples assayed. Identifications, using a PCR method, reveale d that the 21 identified steinernematids belonged to two different gen etic types and that four out of the five heterorhabditids were Heteror habditis indicus, the remaining heterorhabditid being a new species. T he nematodes are currently being screened to evaluate their biocontrol potential for use in Malaysia against foliage-feeding lepidopteran pe sts of crucifers.