Beneficial trait stability in entomopathogenic nematodes

Authors: Shapiro Ilan, David

Submitted to: European Meeting in the IOBC/WPRS Working Group
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2011
Publication Date: 11/1/2011
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I. 2011. Beneficial trait stability in entomopathogenic nematodes. In: Proceedings of the 13th European Meeting in the IOBC/WPRS Working Group, Insect Pathogens and Insect Parasitic Nematodes, June 19-23, 2011, Innsbruck, Austria. 66:313-316.

Interpretive Summary: Biological control is generally a safe and attractvive alternative to the use of chemical insecticides. A number of beneficial traits such as virulence (killing power), reproductive potential, and environmental tolerance are key factors in determining an organism’s ability to produce high levels of efficacy in biological control. Deterioration or loss of beneficial traits during laboratory or industrial culture production is detrimental to biocontrol efficacy. During in vivo production of insect-killing nematodes (producing them using live insect), the nematodes can undergo change, which contributes to reduction in beneficial traits. The nematode’s bacterial symbiont also deteriorates when repeatedly cultured in vitro (in artificial diets). Changes in nematode beneficial traits may be due to genetic or non-genetic (e.g., nutritional) causes. Methods to deter trait deterioration include maintenance or improvement of media/food, creation of selected inbred lines, or improved cryopreservation techniques.

Technical Abstract: A number of beneficial traits such as virulence, reproductive potential, and environmental tolerance are key factors in determining an organism’s ability to produce high levels of efficacy in biological control. Deterioration or loss of beneficial traits during laboratory or industrial culture production is detrimental to biocontrol efficacy. During in vivo production, both partners in the nematode-bacterium complex can undergo change, which contributes to reduction in beneficial traits. The nematode’s bacterial symbiont also deteriorates when repeatedly cultured in vitro. Changes in nematode beneficial traits may be due to genetic or non-genetic (e.g., nutritional) causes. Methods to deter trait deterioration include maintenance or improvement of media, creation of selected inbred lines, or improved cryopreservation techniques.