influence of infection with steinernema feltiae filipjev on the haemocyte picture of the cotton-leaf worm [Spodoptera Littoralis Boisduval]

ABSTRACT

Infection of Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval larvae with Steinernema feltiae Filipjev nematodes caused sharp variation in proportional percentages of differential hemocyte counts. The mean total hemocyte count per cubic mm of hemolymph in control larvae of S. littoralis was 6000 hemocyte per cubic mm. After infection with 50, 100, 200 and 500 parasitic nematodes of S. feltiae, the mean total count was significantly increased to 17250, 18600, 21000 and 24000 hemocyte per cubic mm, respectively