Entomopathogenic nematodes: Commercial use and future perspectives

Abstract

The 100 years of research, development, commercialization and use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) since their discovery in the 1920s have seen impressive progress. Nowadays, many EPN products, based on a relatively limited number of EPN species, are commercially available in most world regions. This paper presents a review of EPN commercialization and examples of EPN use in field crops such as maize and in agroforestry ecosystems. It demonstrates how EPN have become an important tool in biological control of insect pests offering many advantages over chemicals. These include farmer and consumer safety, minimal damage to natural enemies, no problems with pollinators, and no environmental pollution. All of these attributes are essential for an advanced and sustainable integrated pest management strategy. We explored future potential of commercialization and adoption of EPN-based biocontrol products. The future may lie in several advances: i) The ability to tailor the use of EPN to broad as well as to local agricultural needs. ii) Enhancing their shelf life and efficacy through genetic improvements. iii) Refining application technologies. iv) Improving mass production (including machine learning using production data). v Reducing production and delivery costs, considering EPN as safe agents and therefore reducing registration burdens. Vi) Finally, expanding their use to a larger market such as to new pest species and crops. With continued research and innovation, EPN could become a cornerstone of sustainable pest management strategies in an increasing number of countries.