Question

The infective stage of entomopathogenic nematode is

• A. IJ3
• B. IJ2
• C. Pre-adult male
• D. Pre-adult female

Hint:

Entomopathogenic nematodes:
- Infective stage: IJ3 (third-stage juvenile).
- Actively seek insect hosts.
- Used in biological control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The infective stage of entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema, Heterorhabditis) is the third-stage juvenile (J3), also called the infective juvenile (IJ).
IJ3 is the stage that actively seeks out and penetrates insect hosts.
IJ2 (B): Not the infective stage.
Pre-adult male (C): Not the infective stage.
Pre-adult female (D): Not the infective stage.
Thus, IJ3 is the infective stage.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the infective stage of entomopathogenic nematode is IJ3, which corresponds to option (A).
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