Factors affecting success of biological agents used in controlling the plant-parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Biological control agents (BCAs) are increasingly used against various plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) pests and offer a favorable alternative to hazardous chemical nematicides. Yet, their lack of efficacy, inconsistent field performance, and/or unfavorable economic factors have generally relegated them to a relatively small sector of pesticide market. Efficacy and biocontrol success can be boosted via holistic grasping of soil biological and ecological factors. Therefore, such factors were highlighted to give better directions for their use. Main points discussed currently are considered to affect the transmission success of these BCAs so that their use must be a way forward in crop protection/pest management. These included improved sampling, grasping BCAs interactions with soil biota and ecology, cost-effective use of BCAs, genetic manipulation for better PPN control, grower acceptance and awareness-raising of BCA techniques, and commercial application.