l
The genomic DNA containing several genes is used in the
synthesis of insecticidal and antimicrobial bacterial metabolites
(Table 1) [107, 108].
3 Biocontrol Potential
l
EPNs are possible biocontrol agents as they function as bacterial
vectors, rapidly destroy target insect pests, have a wide variety of
hosts, are extremely virulent, contain chemoreceptors, can be
easily grown in vitro, are healthy for vertebrates, plants, and
non-targets, have been excluded from registration, are easily
applied using regular application tools, are compatible with
many chemical insecticides, and are suitable for genetic
selection.
l
Currently, hundreds of researchers from more than 40 countries
are focusing on EPNs as biocontrol agents, and their numbers
are growing.
l
This strong curiosity relies on the amazing characteristics of
these beneficial nematodes, which include ease of mass processing, ease of application, host specificity, high lethality, and
protection for non-target species [1, 123].
l
Biocontrol potential of EPNs depends on the mutualism among
a host-seeking nematode and a lethal insect-pathogenic
bacterium.
l
The key element for their successful role in pest management is
the potential of EPN IJs to scatter effectively in the soil and find
a host [124].
l
Since the first use of EPNs (S. glaseri) for controlling beetles of
the species Popillia japonica in USA [125], so far, no reports of
environmental harms by these bioagents have been
documented.
l
These nematode biopesticides are widely used globally to manage main agricultural insect pests including chafers, weevils,
fungus gnats, various caterpillars, and mole crickets.
24
Biology
The genomic DNA containing several genes is used in the
synthesis of insecticidal and antimicrobial bacterial metabolites
(Table 1) [107, 108].
3 Biocontrol Potential
l
EPNs are possible biocontrol agents as they function as bacterial
vectors, rapidly destroy target insect pests, have a wide variety of
hosts, are extremely virulent, contain chemoreceptors, can be
easily grown in vitro, are healthy for vertebrates, plants, and
non-targets, have been excluded from registration, are easily
applied using regular application tools, are compatible with
many chemical insecticides, and are suitable for genetic
selection.
l
Currently, hundreds of researchers from more than 40 countries
are focusing on EPNs as biocontrol agents, and their numbers
are growing.
l
This strong curiosity relies on the amazing characteristics of
these beneficial nematodes, which include ease of mass processing, ease of application, host specificity, high lethality, and
protection for non-target species [1, 123].
l
Biocontrol potential of EPNs depends on the mutualism among
a host-seeking nematode and a lethal insect-pathogenic
bacterium.
l
The key element for their successful role in pest management is
the potential of EPN IJs to scatter effectively in the soil and find
a host [124].
l
Since the first use of EPNs (S. glaseri) for controlling beetles of
the species Popillia japonica in USA [125], so far, no reports of
environmental harms by these bioagents have been
documented.
l
These nematode biopesticides are widely used globally to manage main agricultural insect pests including chafers, weevils,
fungus gnats, various caterpillars, and mole crickets.
24
Biology