Nematodes As Biocontrol Agents

Description

Nematodes are one of the most abundant groups of living animals, and although morphologically they are very simple, they have exploited a wide range of diverse habitats including invertebrates. There are, however, a small but significant number of beneficial entomogenous nematodes, i.e., nematodes associated (often parasitically) with insects. In addition to insects, nematodes can parasitize spiders, leeches, annelids, crustaceans and mollusks. Biocontrol agents are the natural enemies like parasitism, predation and other mechanisms for controlling plant pests. This book explains and illustrates major developments in the use of nematodes for the biological control of insects and slugs. It covers the use of nematodes like entomopathogenic nematodes, entomophilic nematodes and slug-parasitic nematodes. In this text the biology, commercial production, formulation and quality control, application technology, strategy and safety of each of the nematode groups is discussed. The book also examines the application of nematodes in different cropping systems, and the efficacy of nematodes against specific pests. Numerous informative tables and schemes present the most important aspects of the field and the latest information on suitable prevention and control measures. The book is well suited as both textbook and a reference guide for agriculturists, students of the veterinary and life sciences, and others who are interested in this field.