Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012
*Corresponding Author: vishal.somvanshi@gmail.com
Online published on 4 July, 2020.
Entomopathogenic nematodes are a special category of nematodes that can kill an insect within 72 hours along with their symbiont bacterial populations. These nematodes naturally maintain a symbiotic relation with specific enteric bacteria. Because of their high pathogenicity and reproductive potential, entomopathogenic nematodes are used worldwide for biological management of various insect-pests of agricultural crops. This article provides a brief introduction to entomopathogenic nematodes, and discusses important aspects of their biology, mass production, use in agricultural pest management,and its brief history in India.
Entomopathogenic nematodes, Insect biocontrol, Mutualism, Symbiont bacteria, Field application, Insect-parasitic nematodes
