Review on ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes mainly have symbiotic association with gram positive bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. and Photorhabdus spp. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are beneficial nematodes parasiting insect pests and are being effectively used as a bio pesticide against a wide variety of insect pests. The abiotic and biotic factors affect the activity of entomopathogenic nematode showing differential response with different nematodes. The survival, infectivity, development and reproduction of entomopathogenic nematodes adversely affected when exposed to unfavourable environmental conditions.