Ecology of Invertebrate Pathogens: Nematodes

Authors: Shapiro Ilan, David; HILTPOLD, IVAN - Western Sydney University; LEWIS, EDWIN - University Of California

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/30/2017
Publication Date: 10/27/2017
Citation: Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., Hiltpold, I., and Lewis, E. E. 2018. Ecology of Invertebrate Pathogens: Nematodes In: Hajek, A. E & Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., editors. Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, p. 415-440.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119256106.ch11

Interpretive Summary: Entomopathogenic nematodes (also called beneficial nematodes) kill insects with the aid of their bacterial symbionts. These nematodes are potent environmentally friendly natural control agents that have been widely commercialized for control of economically important insect pests. Nematode survival in the environment is significantly affected by various factors such as UV radiation, temperature, soil characteristics, moisture and relative humidity. Biotic factors also impact entomopathogenic nematode survival and distribution including antagonistic organisms (that eat or parasitize the nematodes), as well as organisms that carry the nematodes and help transport them (such as earthworms). Options to improve biological control using beneficial nematodes include making a better nematode through natural methods (such as hybridization), and development of superior methods of production, formulation and application. The objective of this chapter is to review the basic biology of beneficial nematodes in the context of ecology and biological insect pest control.

Technical Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema kill arthropods with the aid of their bacterial symbionts. These nematodes are potent microbial control agents that have been widely commercialized for control of economically important insect pests. The nematodes are transmitted horizontally and disperse as infective juveniles to seek their hosts. Distribution is significantly affected by various abiotic factors such as UV radiation, temperature, soil characteristics, moisture and relative humidity. Biotic factors also impact entomopathogenic nematode ecology including antagonistic organisms, as well as phoretic and synergistic relationships. The nematodes are used primarily as inundative agents for biocontrol purposes but have also been applied in inoculative or classical biological control approaches. Options to improve biocontrol include strain enhancement, and development of superior methods of production, formulation and application. The objective of this chapter is to review the basic biology of entomopathogenic nematodes in the context of ecology and microbial control.