Study on Occurrence and Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are parasites of insects. EPNs are currently used as biopesticides for controlling several important insect pest worlds wide. EPNs are extraordinarily lethal to many important soil insect pests, yet are safe for plant and animals. This high degree of safety means that unlike chemicals or even Bacillus thuringiensis, nematode application do not require masks or other safety equipments. Biological control of insect pests using EPNs has gained importance in the recent year. Because they are highly virulent, killing their host within 24 to 48 hrs. They can be cultured easily in vivo as well as in vitro on artificial diet and have a high reproductive potential, broad host range, longer storage ability and can easily be applied in soil and foliage without adverse effect on non-target organisms. They are safe to the plant and animal health. Since EPNs are compatible with many insecticides hence can be used in a large scale as one of the component in integrated pest management (IPM) to control insect pest.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Maru is presently working as Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist in Department of Entomology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, India.He got his M. Sc. (Ag.) and Ph. D. in Nematology from Department of Nematology, M.P.U.A.T. Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. He has national & international publications and presentations.