Abstract
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the families’ Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are obligate insect parasites. Their easy multiplication, broad host range, compatibility with chemical pesticides, and ease in application has grabbed interest among research practitioners to work on these beneficial microorganisms. Till date, around 100 valid species of Steinernema and 21 species of Heterorhabditis have been identified from different countries of the world. Extensive surveys have been conducted across the globe to isolate locally adapted EPN species and exploit them to suppress soil-dwelling and foliar insect pests in agricultural fields. Most of the new species have been described from Asia, whereas research in some Asian countries are still at infancy. Some new species have been recorded from Australia but very few surveys have been conducted in New Zealand. Likewise, less information about these tiny creatures is from Central America; however, in North America many new species have been described, some of which have been commercialized for insect pest control, whereas in South America, several native nematode species have been described and exploited as biological control agents. European countries have also been explored for EPN diversity and new species have been reported, exploited under field condition, and commercialized. Many new species and other previously described species have been reported from Africa. Despite frequent surveys in different continents of the world, number of sites touched are low and, therefore, further surveys are still needed to explore untouched geographic areas and climatic conditions, both in plantations and indigenous forests with an aim to identify and exploit additional EPN species.
Highlights
Steinernematidae Travassos, 1927 and Heterorhabditidae Poinar Jr, 1975 are the two important nematode families, which have drawn attention throughout the world as they have proven promising biocontrol agents of agriculturally important insect pests of soil, foliar, and cryptic habitats (Askary, 2010; Askary and Abd-Elgawad, 2017)
The work on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is believed to have been initiated from Germany where the first species of Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was described (Steiner, 1923a, b). It spread to New Jersey, USA where a new species was reported that was attacking white grubs and this
Surveys have been conducted from almost all parts of the world in order to isolate locally adapted EPN species or isolates with further aim to formulate and commercialize them (Hominick et al, 1996; Hominick, 2002)
Summary
Steinernematidae Travassos, 1927 and Heterorhabditidae Poinar Jr, 1975 are the two important nematode families, which have drawn attention throughout the world as they have proven promising biocontrol agents of agriculturally important insect pests of soil, foliar, and cryptic habitats (Askary, 2010; Askary and Abd-Elgawad, 2017). The work on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is believed to have been initiated from Germany where the first species of EPN was described (Steiner, 1923a, b). Surveys have been conducted from almost all parts of the world in order to isolate locally adapted EPN species or isolates with further aim to formulate and commercialize them (Hominick et al, 1996; Hominick, 2002). This led to the increase in described species of. Surveys to identify local species of EPNs has increased in the past 3 decades, knowledge on the diversity of these beneficial nematodes is still limited, in many forest areas and hilly regions of the developed and developing countries of the world
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