Publisher's Synopsis
Farmers use pesticides as a means to manage pests during the crop's growth period, in conjunction with fertilizers. The farmers' confidence of possessing effective control allowed them the freedom to reorganize their harvesting techniques. Nevertheless, the increased sowing density, intensified fertilization, use of growth regulators, and adoption of high yielding cultivars have rendered agricultural systems more susceptible to pest infestations, therefore leading to a heavy reliance on pesticides. In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of insect outbreaks, causing a major challenge for agriculture systems. These pests have developed resistance to insecticides, resulting in substantial losses in crop productivity worldwide. Entomopathogenic nematodes, sometimes referred to as EPNs, are well recognized as key natural insect antagonists. They serve as very effective biological agents for controlling significant insect infestations in several countries worldwide. Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are two worldwide dispersed genera of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). These EPNs possess the remarkable capacity to survive in extreme settings and exhibit tolerance towards severe environmental factors such as lack of oxygen (anoxybiosis), extreme temperatures (thermobiosis), and dehydration (desiccation). Through mutualistic associations with pathogenic bacterial species such as Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, these organisms enhance their ability to kill insect hosts, hence increasing their virulence.. This book extensively covers various aspects of these nematodes, including the Oscheius species, which is now recognized as entomopathogenic. It offers detailed information on their taxonomic status, behaviour, symbiosis, mass production, and applications of EPNs. This comprehensive resource will be valuable to a wide range of readers interested in the field of Entomopathogenic Nematology.
