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| Author(s): | Kaya H.K., Koppenhöfer A.M. |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Title: | Biology and ecology of insecticidal nematodes |
| Citation: | Proceedings at the National Workshop on Optimal Use of Insecticidal Nematodes in Pest Management. Ed. Polavarapu S. (eds). The State University of New Jersey Rutgers University. Chatsworth, NJ pgs. 1-8. . |
Abstract:
The insecticidal nematodes in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are symbiotically associated with bacteria in the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. The bacteria] cells are housed in the intestine of the infective juvenile of the nematode, which is the only free-living stage. In nature, the infective juvenile forages for an insect host in soil, enters through natural openings of the host, penetrates into the host's body cavity, releases the bacterial cells that kill the host within 2 days, and completes its life cycle within the cadaver. At least 32 species of insecticidal nematodes have been described of which 9 are commercially available or being considered for commercialization. Insecticidal nematodes are used as biological insecticides against a number of insect pests in soil and cryptic habitats. Because the infective juveniles are susceptible to a number of abiotic factors including temperature extremes, rapid desiccation and ultraviolet light and biotic factors such as antagonists and competitors, the user needs to understand the biology and ecology of these nematodes as the first step to an effective pest control program |
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