A Review on role of Entomopathogenic nematodes in integrated pest management

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which are microbial pathogens cum insect pest’s biocontrol agents, have been used successfully in agricultural systems. They may be easily cultivated in vivo or in vitro and are extremely pathogenic, quickly killing their hosts. Due to their widespread production in liquid media, their production costs have recently decreased dramatically, while still being safe for the environment and non-target vertebrates. Additionally, there are no challenges in using EPNs because they can be coupled with practically all chemical control chemicals and are simple to spray using ordinary equipment. EPNs are frequently used to control economically significant insect pests in a variety of farming systems, including nurseries, greenhouses, turf grass, and fruit orchards. Only in the early 1980’s did EPNs start to be used for biocontrol, and this needed a gradual advancement of both science and technology. The commercialization of nematode-based insect pest management was greatly aided by the nematode's mass production. This review paper discusses different species of EPNs, its Mass production and utilization in Integrated Pest Management program.