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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #361851
Research Project: New Tools for Managing Key Pests of Pecan and Peach

Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research

Title: Advances in use of entomopathogenic nematodes in IPM, In: Integrated management of insect pests: Current and future developments

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item HAZIR, SELCUK - Adnan Mederes University
item GLAZER, ITAMAR - Volcani Center (ARO)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/27/2019
Publication Date: 10/29/2019
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Hazir, S., Glazer, I. 2019. Advances in use of entomopathogenic nematodes in IPM, In: Integrated management of insect pests: Current and future developments. Book Chapter. 649 – 678.

Interpretive Summary: Entomopathogenic nematodes also called “beneficial nematodes” are potent natural control agents that have been commercialized widely for control of economically important insect pests. These nematodes only kill insects and are safe to humans and the environment. The nematodes kill arthropods with the aid of bacterial symbionts. Efficacy of the nematodes relies on both abiotic and biotic influences. Efficacy can be increased by through strain improvement and stabilization, as well as enhancing production, formulation and application technology; or through environmental manipulation. As technology to improve efficacy advances, entomopathogenic nematodes will continue to play a larger role in IPM across various cropping systems.

Technical Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema are potent biological control agents that have been commercialized widely for control of economically important insect pests. These nematodes kill arthropods with the aid of bacterial symbionts (steinernematids are associated with Xenorhabdus spp. bacteria and heterorhabditids are associated with Photorhabdus spp. bacteria). Efficacy of the nematodes within anIPM system relies on both abiotic and biotic influences. Efficacy can be increased by through strain improvement and stabilization, as well as enhancing production, formulation and application technology; or through environmental manipulation. As technology to improve efficacy advances, entomopathogenic nematodes will continue to play a larger role in IPM across various cropping systems.