Recent advancements in use of entomopathogens and nematophagous mites for management of plant parasitic nematodes

Authors: SANDHI, RAMANDEEP - Montana State University; BRIAR, SHABEG - Olds College Centre For Innovation; Reddy, Gadi V.P.

Submitted to: Sustainability in Plant and Crop Production
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/13/2024
Publication Date: 2/16/2024
Citation: Sandhi, R.K., Briar, S.S., Reddy, G.V. 2024. Recent advancements in use of entomopathogens and nematophagous mites for management of plant parasitic nematodes. Sustainability in Plant and Crop Production. 02:151-182. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52557-5_6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52557-5_6

Interpretive Summary: Effective biological control agents are needed for non-chemical control of plant parasitic nematodes. Nematicides such as abamectin have poor mobility and lack of persistence in treated soil, which compromises their performance. However, biocontrol agents are less effective and slower acting than commercial synthetic pesticides, which limits grower adoption of such products. However, over longer time frames, biocontrol programs can reduce nematode populations, minimizing the risk of nematicide resistance, and harm to the environment. Different abiotic factors such as temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, desiccation, and biotic antagonists present in the soil might affect the nematode activity that should be considered well before deciding on a potential biological control antagonist for nematode management. Hence, all these factors can affect the efficacy of different biological control agents on nematodes and should be kept in consideration for selection in biological control programs.

Technical Abstract: Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are one of the most damaging group of soil borne agents, with many species having broad host ranges and infesting various crops worldwide. Various control measures, including soil amendments, application of green manure, crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, chemical nematicides, and biological control agents, have been evaluated for management of PPN species in the soil with varying success. The use of chemical nematicides has increased recently, and concerns regarding the deleterious effects of these nematicides on non-target species or the environment are increasing, leading to interest in alternative, more environmentally friendly, control tactics. In the present review, we discuss potential PPN biological control agents, including fungi, bacteria, nematodes, virus, and nematophagous mites. Case studies focused on the use of these agents under laboratory, greenhouse, or field conditions are discussed, together with suggestions for future work.