Control of insect pests by entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Rhabditida, Nematoda) are obligate pathogens of insects and are associated with specific symbiotic bacteria of the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. Due to their ability to infect various insects, the possibility of mass production by industrial techniques, and safety to non-target organisms and the environment, these nematode-bacteria complexes are attractive agents for the biological control of many insect pests. In this chapter, a brief characteristic of these organisms is given, together with information on their use in the biological control of insect pests.