This chapter highlights the issues related to the expansion and commercialization of two beneficial nematodes, i.e. entomopathogenic and slug parasitic. Their limitations and valuable suggestions to overcome them have been discussed in detail. The use of entomopathogenic and slug parasitic nematodes seem more meaningful in the context of organic farming, where no chemicals are sprayed on plants and the products are cost-effective and competitive. While planning to include these beneficial nematodes in integrated pest management programmes, concerted efforts are needed, both with respect to the nematode species and the insect/slug and its environment. There are a few companies that are marketing entomopathogenic nematodes successfully; however, revenues and market share have been limited to certain markets, with little opportunity to expand to new markets.
Slugs are widely distributed pests that cause damage in a large range of crops, especially in moist areas all around the world. Nematodes belonging to several families, namely Agfidae, Alaninematidae, Alloionematidae, Angiostomatidae, Cosmocercidae, Diplogasteridae, Mermithidae and Rhabditidae, are known as common parasites of many slugs and snails belonging to class Gastropoda. Despite this fact, the knowledge of their biology and ecology is very poor, and so far only one species, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (family Rhabditidae), has been introduced in the market. This chapter provides thorough information on the biology, ecology and morphology of slug parasitic nematodes, besides assessing the potential for their commercial use in the biological control of slug pests, with special emphasis on production, storage and techniques of application.
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