Chapter 2
Introduction
Abstract
Entompathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are created in the nature with significant unique characteristics. The
efficacy of EPN application in the field as bio-insecticides depends on its virulence, host finding, environmental tolerance and persistence, and also in the selection of the appropriate nematode that matches with
the particular target pest. Understanding the biology, adaptability and identification of these entomopathogenic nematodes with their bacterial symbionts play a key role in their successful application.
Keywords entomon, Pathogenic, Model system, Infective juveniles, Application
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are created in the nature
with significant unique characteristics. The name entomopathogenic is derived from the Greek word entomon, indicating insect,
and pathogenic indicates creating disease. As the name implies,
EPNs infect only insects. They are an excellent economically important bioagents.
It is biologically fascinating to study the highly diverse, complex, and specialized entomopathogenic nematodes. They are obligate or sometimes facultative insect parasites and are microscopic
roundworms with non-segmented soft body. They are present in
nature in terrestrial habitats.
The widely recognized entomopathogenic nematodes are
organisms that can be applied in the biological management of
insects, the members of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae
[1]. These are the only insect-parasitic nematodes with an optimal
balance of biological regulation traits [2].
Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and
Heterorhabditis together with their respective symbiotic bacteria
Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus facilitate the infective juveniles
(IJs) of nematodes to infect and kill their insect hosts by the
host–vector–symbiont interactions. Due to this insect-killing capabilities, EPNs are utilized as a method of biological control agents
of economically significant insect pests and a model system to study
host–parasite interactions. The metabolites, insecticidal toxins, and
S. Sivaramakrishnan and M. Razia, Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria, Springer Protocols Handbooks,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1445-7_2,
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2021
5
Introduction
Abstract
Entompathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are created in the nature with significant unique characteristics. The
efficacy of EPN application in the field as bio-insecticides depends on its virulence, host finding, environmental tolerance and persistence, and also in the selection of the appropriate nematode that matches with
the particular target pest. Understanding the biology, adaptability and identification of these entomopathogenic nematodes with their bacterial symbionts play a key role in their successful application.
Keywords entomon, Pathogenic, Model system, Infective juveniles, Application
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are created in the nature
with significant unique characteristics. The name entomopathogenic is derived from the Greek word entomon, indicating insect,
and pathogenic indicates creating disease. As the name implies,
EPNs infect only insects. They are an excellent economically important bioagents.
It is biologically fascinating to study the highly diverse, complex, and specialized entomopathogenic nematodes. They are obligate or sometimes facultative insect parasites and are microscopic
roundworms with non-segmented soft body. They are present in
nature in terrestrial habitats.
The widely recognized entomopathogenic nematodes are
organisms that can be applied in the biological management of
insects, the members of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae
[1]. These are the only insect-parasitic nematodes with an optimal
balance of biological regulation traits [2].
Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and
Heterorhabditis together with their respective symbiotic bacteria
Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus facilitate the infective juveniles
(IJs) of nematodes to infect and kill their insect hosts by the
host–vector–symbiont interactions. Due to this insect-killing capabilities, EPNs are utilized as a method of biological control agents
of economically significant insect pests and a model system to study
host–parasite interactions. The metabolites, insecticidal toxins, and
S. Sivaramakrishnan and M. Razia, Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria, Springer Protocols Handbooks,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1445-7_2,
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2021
5