Preface
Realizing the importance of the entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria
as biocontrol agents, it was our desire and dream to pen our knowledge and research
experience and give it a shape in the format of this laboratory manual. This manual focuses
on the potential application of an array of laboratory methods and techniques for studying
and evaluating entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria.
The available study materials on practical approach for work with the entomopathogenic
nematodes are very much scattered. The descriptions provided in other chapters and books
are in a broader sense. At times, there is a difficulty to find a set of techniques in a required
time in a single book. In some instances, the protocol varies with different scientists. So a
necessity was felt to produce a new resource in this area, and this manual was intended to fill
the need. In this manual, we provide simple procedures to execute the experiments in an
easiest way.
This book is a compilation of the basic works necessary for insect pest management
using entomopathogenic nematodes research. The important aspects and techniques for
EPN and their symbiotic bacteria are compiled into a single book with modifications to suite
our laboratory conditions in a nutshell, described in a simplified, clear, and understanding
manner. The protocols are adapted from various published protocols. This book concisely
deals with host insect rearing, nematode sampling, isolation techniques, characterization
including morphological, molecular, and ecological studies, mass production, virulence
bioassay, field application, and efficacy. It also includes similar methods and techniques for
their associated symbiotic bacteria. This will not only give a comprehensive knowledge to
the reader but also provides a practical guideline to those who are seeking to learn and apply
the techniques.
It is highly expected that this book will definitely meet the requirements of researchers,
nematologists, entomologists, microbiologists, and any scientist who are working at insect
pest management research laboratories as well as different industries and academic institutions. This book will surely find its wider application for current as well as for future
researchers as an easy reference handy material.
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
S. Sivaramakrishnan
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India
M. Razia
vii
Realizing the importance of the entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria
as biocontrol agents, it was our desire and dream to pen our knowledge and research
experience and give it a shape in the format of this laboratory manual. This manual focuses
on the potential application of an array of laboratory methods and techniques for studying
and evaluating entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria.
The available study materials on practical approach for work with the entomopathogenic
nematodes are very much scattered. The descriptions provided in other chapters and books
are in a broader sense. At times, there is a difficulty to find a set of techniques in a required
time in a single book. In some instances, the protocol varies with different scientists. So a
necessity was felt to produce a new resource in this area, and this manual was intended to fill
the need. In this manual, we provide simple procedures to execute the experiments in an
easiest way.
This book is a compilation of the basic works necessary for insect pest management
using entomopathogenic nematodes research. The important aspects and techniques for
EPN and their symbiotic bacteria are compiled into a single book with modifications to suite
our laboratory conditions in a nutshell, described in a simplified, clear, and understanding
manner. The protocols are adapted from various published protocols. This book concisely
deals with host insect rearing, nematode sampling, isolation techniques, characterization
including morphological, molecular, and ecological studies, mass production, virulence
bioassay, field application, and efficacy. It also includes similar methods and techniques for
their associated symbiotic bacteria. This will not only give a comprehensive knowledge to
the reader but also provides a practical guideline to those who are seeking to learn and apply
the techniques.
It is highly expected that this book will definitely meet the requirements of researchers,
nematologists, entomologists, microbiologists, and any scientist who are working at insect
pest management research laboratories as well as different industries and academic institutions. This book will surely find its wider application for current as well as for future
researchers as an easy reference handy material.
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
S. Sivaramakrishnan
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India
M. Razia
vii