Entomopathogenic nematodes - A review

The entomopathogenic nematodes possessing balanced biological control attributes belong to genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and are having mutualistic association with bacteria of the genus Xenorhabdus for Steinernematidae and Photorhabdus for Heterorhabditidae. Entomopathogenic nematodes being highly lethal to many important insect-pests, are safe to nontarget organisms and working with their symbiotic bacteria kill the insects within 24–28 hours as compared to days and weeks required for insect killing in other biological control agents. Their infective juveniles (IJs) have been reported to tolerate short-term exposure to many chemical and biological insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers and growth regulators, hence providing an opportunity of tank-mixing and application together. Entomopathogenic nematodes are also reported to be compatible with a number of agrochemicals and their use can offer a cost-effective alternative to pest control. Only twelve species out of nearly eighty identified Steinernematids and Heterorhabditis nematode species have been commercialized. The EPNs have the great potential to be used in integrated pest management systems and work done have been reviewed in this article to facilitate the students and researchers to have an overview of the work done and proceed further to undertake the advanced research in different aspects related to entomopathogenic nematodes.