Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. In addition to their use as bio-pesticides, EPNs have a fascinating biology and are thus considered model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis.This book presents basic knowledge and diverse applications to illustrate how EPNs play an important role as potent biocontrol solutions. It describes:Fundamental concepts such as biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioural ecology.Aspects of commercialization, including mass production, formulation, safety and regulation, and marketing.Diverse cropping systems e.g. maize, wheat and grains, citrus, orchard systems, berries, vine crops, vegetables and turf.Other applications including urban, nursery, forestry, greenhouse, veterinary and medical.Ecological considerations and applications in conservation biocontrol.This book is a must have for all pest management professionals including those practicing integrated pest management strategies.

David Shapiro-Ilan is a Supervisory Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS, Georgia, USA. Dr. Shapiro-Ilan's research focuses on invertebrate pathology/microbial control. Areas of interest emphasize the study of entomopathogenic nematodes and include biological control applications, production and formulation technology, and studies on nematode behavior (especially foraging dynamics). Dr. Shapiro-Ilan has published more than 240 peer-reviewed journal articles plus 27 book chapters and > 60 trade journal/extension articles; he has co-edited 5 books and is inventor on 8 patents. Selected awards include Fellow of the Society of Nematologists, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, EEO/Civil Rights, Excellence in IPM (SEB-ESA, 2012), and > $23 million as PI/co-PI on competitive grants. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology.

Edwin Lewis is a professor and has served as head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho (UI); he currently is the co-director of the Center for Health in the Human Ecosystem, also at UI. Lewis' research focuses on biological control of insects using entomopathogens, management of plant-parasitic nematodes, animal behavior, and soil ecology. He has published more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, 18 book chapters, 2 edited books and is inventor on 2 patents. Selected awards include Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (Pacific Branch, ESA) and >$4 million in grant support. He served as subject editor for the Journal of Nematology and subject editor and editor-in-chief for Biological Control. His teaching commitments have included Behavioral Ecology of Insects, Pesticides in the Environment, Parasites and Civilization, Biological Control and several research seminars.