Entomopathogenic nematode-gastropod interactions

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) infect and kill insects and have been successfully used in the biological control of some insect pests. Slugs and snails are known to be significant pests of agriculture and serve as vectors for disease-causing microbes that can affect crops and humans. The potential of EPNs to be used in the biological control of gastropods has not been well-studied. The few studies that have been performed on the efficacy of EPNs in controlling gastropod pests and vectors were reviewed. Suggested criteria for further assessments of EPN-gastropod interactions are: Dose of EPNs used, length of infection assays, host biology, nematode biology and development, and Koch’s postulates. There are provocative data suggesting that EPNs may be useful biological control agents against gastropod pests of agriculture and vectors of disease, though additional studies using the suggested criteria are needed, including the publication of negative data or studies where EPNs were not efficacious or successful in controlling gastropods.

Influence of exposure Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) on biological and physiological parameters of Pseudosuccinea columella (Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae)

“…In this sense, biological control arises, involving the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), capable of colonizing and killing target host species especially insects, as well as ticks and gastropod snails (Schurkman & Dillman, 2021).Added to this is the fact that nematodes belong to the genus Heterorhabditis are naturally isolated froms oils (Ciche et al, 2006). Pseudosuccinea columella is considered an "amphibian" snail, with lungs, and can be collected even in soils close to water (Mas-Coma et al, 2009).…”