Influence of Abiotic Factors on Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Gitanjali Devi *
Department of Nematology, SCS College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Dhubri, 783371, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are potential biocontrol agents against many insect pests. The infective juveniles (IJs) dwell in soil ecosystem in a free-living state which is responsible for pest suppression under certain environmental condition. These IJs are faced with a wide range of environmental conditions during this stage. Abiotic factors such as temperature, moisture/relative humidity, soil texture and structure, ultraviolet radiation influence the survival, growth and development, and reproduction of entomopathogenic nematodes and ultimately their performance on bioefficacy against insect pests.
Keywords: Abiotic factors, biocontrol agents, bioefficacy, Entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs), movement, reproduction, survival