Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against dipteran pests.

Abstract

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) such as Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are considered important biological control agents that are being exploited against a variety of crop insect pests of economic importance, such as insects in the order Diptera. Like nematode hosts of other insect orders, many dipterous species can show different degrees of susceptibility to EPNs. Strictly speaking, many biotic and abiotic factors can also modify the efficacy of dipterous insects. These factors include EPN species and strains, insect species and developmental stages, and environmental stresses. On the other hand, the nematode's ability can overcome the barriers of its susceptible insect hosts through factors such as its physical force (e.g. rupture thin tracheae by body thrusting or, as in Heterorhabditis, use a tooth situated terminally on their mouth). The infective juveniles may also pierce holes in the tissue with proteolytic secretions. EPNs have been reported to control a variety of dipteran insect pests in different habitats. This chapter is an attempt in this direction to focus on such examples in a more explanatory manner. Factors affecting the success and failures of EPNs in the control of dipteran pests are summarized, and the application of EPNs in integrated pest management strategies against dipterans are discussed.