Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biocontrol Agents in Plant Pathology and Sustainable Crop Health


Authors : Nona Mikaia

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3pvk52dz

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mtswm7u3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1177

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), particularly species of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, are increasingly recognized as effective biological control agents in modern agriculture. While traditionally applied for insect pest suppression, growing evidence suggests that EPNs play a broader role in plant pathology through indirect and direct mechanisms. This study examines the impact of EPN application on plant disease suppression, soil microbial dynamics, and plant growth enhancement. Laboratory-based experiments demonstrated significant reductions in disease severity and improvementsin plant growth parametersfollowing EPN treatments compared to untreated controls(p < 0.05). The findings highlight the multifunctional role of EPNs within integrated pest and disease management frameworks and their potential contribution to sustainable crop production.

Keywords : Entomopathogenic Nematodes; Biological Control; Plant Pathology; Soil Microbiota; Integrated Pest Management; Sustainable Agriculture.

References :

  1. Kaya, H. K., & Gaugler, R. (1993). Entomopathogenic nematodes. Annual Review of Entomology, 38, 181–206.
  2. Ehlers, R. U. (2001). Entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 11, 229–245.
  3. Lacey, L. A., & Kaya, H. K. (2007). Field manual of techniques in invertebrate pathology. Springer.
  4. Singh, R., & Arora, S. (2018). Entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control. Agricultural Entomology, 34, 139–147.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), particularly species of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, are increasingly recognized as effective biological control agents in modern agriculture. While traditionally applied for insect pest suppression, growing evidence suggests that EPNs play a broader role in plant pathology through indirect and direct mechanisms. This study examines the impact of EPN application on plant disease suppression, soil microbial dynamics, and plant growth enhancement. Laboratory-based experiments demonstrated significant reductions in disease severity and improvementsin plant growth parametersfollowing EPN treatments compared to untreated controls(p < 0.05). The findings highlight the multifunctional role of EPNs within integrated pest and disease management frameworks and their potential contribution to sustainable crop production.

Keywords : Entomopathogenic Nematodes; Biological Control; Plant Pathology; Soil Microbiota; Integrated Pest Management; Sustainable Agriculture.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

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