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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #383914
Research Project: Novel Approaches for Managing Key Pests of Peach and Pecan

Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research

Title: Genetic improvement of beneficial organisms. In: Nematodes as Model Organisms

Author
item GLAZER, ITAMAR - Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
item Shapiro Ilan, David

Submitted to: Nematodes as Model Organisms
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2022
Publication Date: 6/25/2022
Citation: Glazer, I. Shapiro Ilan, D.I. 2022. Genetic improvement of beneficial organisms. In: Glazer, I., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I., Sternberg, P.W., editors. Nematodes as Model Organisms. Wallingford, UK: CABI. p. 346-364.

Interpretive Summary: Inundative biocontrol is a the application of natural enemy organisms for the suppression of pest populations. Inundative approaches generally require repeated applications, each year or season, with little expectation of natural enemy recycling. Some may say it is the method of applying "a good bug to kill a bad bug". Entomopathogenic nematodes, also known as beneficial nematodes, are small round worms that are used as inundative biocontrol agents. Beneficial nematodes serve as models for inundative biocontrol due to their diversity in application and amenability to methods that can improve efficacy. This chapter focuses on entomopathogenic nematodes as a model to study and improve inundative approaches to biocontrol. If biocontrol efficacy is not sufficient when trying to suppress a particular pest, the entomopathogenic nematodes can be improved by enhancing production, formulation or application technology.

Technical Abstract: This chapter focuses on entomopathogenic nematodes (genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis) as a model to study and improve inundative approaches to biocontrol. If biocontrol efficacy is not sufficient when trying to suppress a particular pest, the entomopathogenic nematodes can be improved by enhancing production, formulation or application technology. For example, in vivo production can be improved via automation and in vitro production can be improved via media optimization. Formulations that protect the nematodes from harmful environmental conditions, such as sprayable gels that protect against UV radiation also enhance efficacy. Novel application techniques such as distributing entomopathogenic nematodes in their infected-host cadavers may also improve biological pest control. These approaches to using and improving entomopathogenic nematodes for inundative control can be applied to other biocontrol organisms.