Future thrusts in expanding the use of entomopathogenic and slug parasitic nematodes in agriculture.

Abstract

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.

Survival and Virulence Capacity of Native Strain of Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema cholashanense in Different Formulations

“…Variation in survival percentage of IJs with respect to temperature has also been noticed by other workers [1]. One of the important considerations for the success of EPN against target insect pests is their suitable formulation, greater shelf life and enhanced efficacy [5]. IJs in formulation do not feed during the storage period and utilize their stored reserves for the energy.…”

Biological control of pestiferous slugs using Tetanocera elata (Fabricius) (Diptera: Sciomyzidae): Larval behavior and feeding on slugs exposed to Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Schneider, 1859)

“…Given that P. hermaphrodita is currently the only commercially-available nematode biocontrol agent of slugs on the market (Askary et al, 2017), the implications of using this in areas where T. elata is naturally-occurring is of interest. The key question here is whether both T. elata and P. hermaphrodita could be used in tandem as a part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach or whether slugs exposed to P. hermaphrodita may have an adverse effect on T. elata larvae.…”

“…Pestiferous slugs cause damage to a diverse range of agricultural and horticultural crops throughout the world (Askary, 2010;Askary et al, 2017, Cordoba et al, 2018Fritz et al, 2001;South, 2012;Speiser et al, 2001) primarily by feeding directly on the plant (Ester and Trul, 2000;Frank, 1998;Gould, 1961;Jaskulska et al, 2017) and/or as vectors of plant pathogens (Hasan and Vago, 1966). This results in significant economic losses to growers (Willis et al, 2006).…”

Factors affecting success of biological agents used in controlling the plant-parasitic nematodes

“…Additional formulation and application methods should be continuously developed to offer effective and/or inexpensive biocontrol programs. Improved application tactics that may be further tested for PPN control include spraying BCAs on the plant rhizospheres, putting them in "tea bags" as a slow release system, or dipping seedling roots into BCA suspensions (Askary et al 2017;Abd-Elgawad 2019b). These techniques also cut short the volume/amount of BCAs which consequently save costs.…”