Characterization of a new isolate of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema sangi (Rhabditida, Steinernematidae), and its symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus vietnamensis (γ-Proteobacteria) from Mizoram, northeastern India.

A survey was conducted to isolate indigenous EPN, specifically from the northeastern part of India, a biodiversity hotspot region, to record the occurrence and their further use as biological control agent. The morphological and molecular analysis (ITS rDNA for Steinernema and 16S rRNA for Xenorhabdus ) revealed that the entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from four different habitats and its symbiotic bacteria are conspecific with Steinernema sangi and Xenorhabdus vietnamensis respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on maximum parsimony (MP) revealed that Steinernema sangi belongs to feltiae - kraussei - oregonense group. The study constitutes the first report of Steinernema sangi and its symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus vietnamensis outside the type locality, Vietnam, and in particular from India.