Send Message

Eco-Commandos Beneath the Surface: The Dual Strategy of Ambushing and Cruising Nematodes

The need for eco-friendly approaches in agriculture is growing, such as using biopesticides, which have a low detrimental effect on the environment. Among them, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are effective tools for controlling insect pests. EPNs are microscopic, soildwelling roundworms naturally present in diverse agroecosystems and are distinguished by their capacity to infect and kill a broad spectrum of insect hosts. Their high host specificity, ecological compatibility and negligible effects on non-target organisms make them valuable components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. This article provides little information about the characteristics, mechanisms of action of EPNs. The review also integrates methodologies of isolating nematodes from soil and mass production on a small scale. It further examines their advantages and the challenges associated with their largescale adoption and highlights their significance in promoting sustainable food production systems.