The reproduction potentials of four entomopathogenic nematode strains related to cost-effective production for biological control

•The biocontrol potentials of four entomopathogenic nematode strains were evaluated.•The high virulence of four nematode strains to insect hosts was revealed.•The reproduction capacity was different between nematode strains and insect hosts.•The mealworm is the best choice for mass production of H-KT3987 strain with lowest cost.•The in vivo production cost was little cheaper than in vitro production cost.