Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema kushidai and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, against the adults of banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum (Jacoby). Both EPN species were pathogenic against B. subcostatum, exhibiting time and dose-dependent mortality. The infective juveniles (IJs) of S. kushidai achieved 95% mortality, while those of H. bacteriophora caused 90% mortality at 300 IJs/adult after 120 h compared to 30% mortality in the control. S. kushidai was found to be more pathogenic than H. bacteriophora based on LD50 and LT50 values. The lowest LD50 and LT50 values obtained for S. kushidai were 97.3 IJs/adult and 53.9 h, respectively, while those of H. bacteriophora were 153.2 IJs/adult and 62.2 h, respectively. Considering the pathogenic potential at 72 h, the lethal dose, 265.0 IJs/adult for S. kushidai and 284.9 IJs/adult for H. bacteriophora were further evaluated in formulations with chitosan or Aloe vera gel and compared with imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.3%, castor oil 3% and water (control). S. kushidai with chitosan 5 g/L H20 achieved 100% mortality after 168 h, which was significantly at par with imidacloprid 17.8 SL (100%) and castor oil (100%). H. bacteriophora with chitosan 5 g/L H20 resulted in 93.3% mortality after 168 h.

Improvement of soil structure and natural pest control are essential for plant growth promotion as well as food and fiber production. Protecting the crops against pests and diseases is an important aspect for ensuring food production as pests can reduce crop yields up to 38%. Agricultural management practices such as tillage, fertilization, irrigation, pesticide use or modification of biotic environment through crop rotation, cover crops and organic amendments have largely enhance crop yield, or otherwise may disturb the abundance and activity of beneficial organisms in the soil. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate parasites of insects, considered as excellent beneficial organism and are used in biological control programme. In the agroecosystem, EPNs are affected by various abiotic soil properties such as soil texture, moisture, temperature, and soil organic matter, which might be significantly changed by agricultural management practices and biotic factors such as natural enemies. This article provides a brief summary of understanding of the impacts of agricultural practices on EPNs. Knowledge about the impacts of agricultural management practices that determine their abundance and efficacy is essential to reveal ways to enhance the potential of EPN as biocontrol agents in a particular soil type and agricultural scenario.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) feed on plant tissues and cause yield losses in agricultural crops. Effective nematode management involves using a range of techniques, such as use of resistant crop varieties, cultural practices, use of biocontrol agent, and use of synthetic chemicals. Although chemical nematicides are general recommended practices, yet their costs, insufficient availability, and environmental considerations make them the last options in practical nematode management. Soil disinfestation treatments, primarily utilizing various forms of heat, are used by agricultural producers to reduce soilborne inoculum of crop pests. Soil disinfestation by soil solarization is a technique based on the increase of soil temperature using the sun’s radiation and the application of plastic films.This review illustrates the method and principles behind soil disinfestation for reduction of plant-parasitic nematodes.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are one of the important biocontrol agents against various insect pests. The effects of different doses and time of application of Entomopathogenic nematode (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar) were evaluated under field condition against termite (Odontotermes obesus Rambur). At 5.0×109 IJs/mound, three-time application at one month interval as soil drenching method were required to cause 60.6 % mortality of O. obesus. Results showed that sequential application of EPN is effective than one time application. The effective dose was further evaluated in three multi-locational trials under different agro-climatic regions of Assam. Results showed that 61.6%, 61.3% and 60.6% mortality of O.obesus was due to the three times application of H.bacteriophora at the dose of 5.0×109 IJs/mound in AAU-HRS Kahikuchi, AAU-SMAPRS Buralikson and AAU-ZRS Diphu, respectively. Both workers and soldiers of O. obesus cadavers had higher progeny production of H.bacteriophora with high persistence in mound soil.

Helicoverpa species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important and widely distributed in India and many other countries all over the world. Larvae are the voracious feeder on leaves but are most damaging on reproductive parts of crops. The use of chemical insecticides is the primary suggested method for controlling this pest. Owing to health and environmental issues, alternative control methods are necessary. Biological control utilizing Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is an environmentally friendly method for keeping pest numbers below acceptable levels. EPNs, Steinernema spp., and Heterorhabditis spp. are deadly insect parasites found in agricultural crops and are acknowledged as significant biocontrol agents. Due to their symbiotic bacteria, which emit toxins that lead to the insect's septicemia within a few days. The infective juveniles residing in the soil and Helicoverpa species spend a portion of their life cycle as pupae in the soil, making them easily susceptible to the EPNs. However, the efficacy of EPNs to control Helicoverpa species is depend on virulence, application techniques, interactions among hosts and resource competitors as well as environmental conditions. With new technical methods we can expand EPN applications in agro-ecosystems and promoting eco-friendly Helicoverpa management. This review paper provides an overview of development of EPN research and evaluation of their potential for use related to Helicoverpa species.

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a dreadful pest that attacks various economically important crops in India and many other countries all over the world. Larvae of FAW damage crop by feeding in the whorl or ears of the plant and they pupate in the soil. Chemical insecticides applications are the major recommended practices against this pest. Due to health and environmental concerns,other alternatives method of control is needed. Biological management is an approach to uphold pest population below threshold level. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp are obligate parasites of insects in agricultural crops and are recognized as an important biocontrol agent. Because of their symbiotic bacteria, they are responsible for killing the host usually within 24 to 48 h. Soil is the natural habitat of EPNs and most of the insect pest species spend at least part of their life cycle in soil. However, the efficacy of EPNs to control FAW is adversely affected by unfavourable biotic and abiotic conditions. Differences in virulence, application techniques, interactions among hosts and resource competitors as well as environmental conditions have been cited as possible reasons for variable field performance. Technical advances in application technology will provide opportunities for use of EPNs in FAW management programs. With new innovative methods, we can expand EPN applications in agro-ecosystems; fostering eco-friendly FAW management. This review paper provides an overview of development of EPN research and evaluation of their potential for use against FAW.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) causes plant damage leading to a considerable yield loss in agricultural crop throughout the world. Plant-parasitic nematodes differ in mode of feeding like endo-parasite, semi-endoparasite and ecto-parasite. Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes rank as the most significant species economically because of their complex interactions with host plants, extensive host range, and the extent of damage caused by infection. Successful nematode management requires a variety of approaches, including resistant crop varieties, cultural practices, biological control methods, and chemical treatments. While chemical nematicides are often recommended, their expenses, limited availability, concerns for human health, and environmental factors position them as the least favorable choice in effective nematode management. Cultural practices involve altering the cropping system and soil management that reduces nematode populations. Among all the cultural management, trap cropping is an important method for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. This review illustrates the method and principles behind trap cropping for reduction of plant-parasitic nematodes.

Nematodes are highly diverse group of organisms in the ecosystems. The biology of nematodes is the sum total of adaptations in relation to the host and the surrounding environment. Nematodes show a variety of adaptations throughout their life-cycle for survival. Under adverse condition such as extreme temperature, lack of oxygen, lack of food, crowded population, they adopted some mechanism which is known as adaptive mechanism. Some physiological or behavioral responses allow nematodes to react more quickly to adverse environmental conditions. The degree of dormancy observed among nematodes varies along a continuum from mild quiescence to anabiosis, depending on the nematode species involved and even within the same species.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the major problem in food production. Management methods are based on mainly synthetic chemicals. Chemical nematicides are undesirable due to health and environment issues. Therefore, other novel technologies or materials are needed to be evolved for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. Nanotechnology is one of the potential and innovative technologies for the management of various phytopathogens. Many nanoparticles have a useful nematicidal effect. This review presents the mode of action of different nanoparticles which are being used for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are the major global menace to food production. Management methods based on synthetic chemicals is objectionable due to environmental and health risks. Therefore, use of biocontrol agents such as Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is environmentally friendly options for management of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN). Competition for nutrients and space, changing rhizosphere interactions, or increasing plant tolerance is the mode of action of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) against plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Better knowledge of the mode of action of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) will help to increase the efficacy of these biocontrol agents. This review presents a general idea of different mechanisms of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-mediated biocontrol, and their possible use in reducing plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) population.

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of two nematicides viz., Nimitz®(Fluensulfone) and Velum Prime (Fluopyrum) for the management of Reniform nematode (R. reniformis) on tomato (var. Pusa Ruby) under net house condition. The plant growth parameters in tomato were found to be increased in the treatment with Nimitz® @2.5kg/ha followed by Carbofuran CG @3.0 kg a.i./ha, Velum Prime @1000 ml/ha, Nimitz® @2.00 kg/ha , and Velum Prime @750 ml/ha. The chemicals suppressed nematode reproduction as indicated by the lower nematode population and lower numbers of eggs on the roots as compared to control. The minimum populations of R. reniformis were recorded with the treatment Nimitz® @2.5kg/ha followed by Carbofuran CG @3.0 kg a.i./ha, Velum Prime @1000 ml/ha, Nimitz® @2.00 kg/ha , and Velum Prime @750 ml/ha.

Dipteran insects are most destructive agricultural pests. They are also vectors of many diseases of human and animal. Much effort has been made to control this pest through chemical treatment. The application of biological control agents has been advocated as an ecofriendly control method for insect pests. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate insect parasites that can be effective biocontrol agents for many agricultural pests including many Dipteran insect pests. EPNs pose much less threat to the environment than chemical pesticides. However, several biotic and abiotic factors along with method of application influence the bioefficacy of this organism against Dipteran insects. This review paper provides an overview of developments in entomopathogenic nematode research and evaluation of their potential for use against Dipteran insect pests.

Tomato is an important vegetable crop. Various plant parasitic nematode cause extensive damage during growth stage of tomato. Pathogenic level of Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), was investigated on tomato var. Pusa Ruby by inoculating 10, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 nematodes per kg autoclaved soil. Observations on plant growth parameters and nematode numbers were recorded at 60 days following inoculation. The inoculated seedlings showed a progressive decrease in the plant growth parameters with increase in inoculum level of R. reniformis. Significant reduction in plant growth parameters were recorded at 1000 and above nematodes/kg soil. There was a gradual increase in the number of females, egg masses per root system, and nematode population of R. reniformis with increase in inoculum level. The rate of multiplication decreased with increase in the level of inoculation. The pathogenic level of R. reniformis was found to be 1000 nematodes per kg soil.

Soil health or soil fertility is an ecological characteristic of an active system with the presence of many living organisms that promote plant growth. Assessment of soil health is done by chemical, physical and biological indicators. As soil organisms are naturally present in soil, therefore biological indicators are important key for monitoring soil quality. Soils are increasingly subjected to deterioration in physico-chemical properties along with reduced biodiversity that leads to low productivity. Invertebrates present in soil remain directly in contact with soil and can serve as biological indicators. Among these, nematodes are important member to consider as biological indicator. An important group of nematodes are entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which are widely used as biocontrol agent against various economically important insect pests. Some of the uniqueness and availability of EPNs makes them valuable candidates as soil health indicators. Land management practices affect the biological parameters of EPNs. This review illustrates the role of EPNs as bioindicator of soil health and their contribution to plant health as well as agricultural system.

In order to increase the present crop productivity modern cultivation technique should be incorporated. The addition of organic and inorganic fertilizers improve soil fertility, plant growth or crop productivity. The major challenges to agricultural production is the low yield due to infestation of insect pests. Integrated pest management practices is the best option for pest control. Integrated agriculture should include biological methods, such as biopesticides. Among the biopesticides, Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate insect parasites in nature, can confer substantial benefits upon plants are safe biopesticidal alternatives to hazardous chemicals. Since these organisms live in an environment that continuously receives the addition of agrochemical compounds, viz., inorganic fertilizer, their abundance and infectivity of may be effected. This review presents an overview of compatibility of EPNs with inorganic fertilizers in agricultural management practices .

Healthy soil enhances crop yield. In order to increase the organic matter content of soil for sustainable and healthy soil, organic amendments are applied in the field. Build-up of insect pest populations under organic production system is problematic which not only reduces yield but also lowering crop quality. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that incorporate cultural management, biological management, use of resistant varieties are viable options for reduction of pest population. Among the biocontrol agents, Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are efficacious against various insect pests in a variety of habitats. However, the effectiveness of EPNs against insect pests is largely dependent on the method of application and nematode survival under field conditions. Cultural management practice such as application of organic amendments can alter the soil health that enables their occurrence and activity. Understanding the interactions is essential to reveal ways to enhance the potential of EPNs as biocontrol agents in a particular soil type, environmental condition and agricultural scenario. This review provides a brief overviews of impact of organic amendments on EPNs from the standpoint of pest management.

A random survey of the horticultural crops was conducted to assess the nematode community structure in the Experimental field of Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat during Rabi and Kharif season, 2022-2023. Soil and root samples, representing 200 locations were examined. Analysis of 200 soil and root samples collected from the root rhizosphere of different vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops showed the presence of root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne incognita), reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), lance nematode (Hoplolaimus spp.), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) along with Criconema spp., Xiphinema spp, Longidorus spp., free-living nematodes, mycophagous nematodes and predatory nematodes. Among all the isolated plant-parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was found to be more abundant with prominence value of 136.7, 81.3 and 76.3 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental crops, followed by Helicotylenchus spp. and Rotylenchulus reniformis. The prominence value of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) was found to be 90.5, 54.1 and 54.1 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental plants respectively.

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.

To evaluate the efficacy of different bio-control agents against reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on cowpea (var. local) investigations were carried out under net house conditions. Results illustrated that all the treatments were effective in improving the plant growth parameters and reducing the nematode population. Among all the treatments, Biozin-PTB (10% w/w) proved to be best in promoting shoot length, fresh and dry weight of shoot of the plant with the percentages of increase 64.15%, 85.25% and 65.12% respectively. Followed by treatment with Biofor-PF2 (10% w/w) and Biozium (10% w/w) in stimulating shoot length with the percentages of increase 55.90% and 47.38%, fresh weight of shoot with the percentages of increase 68.05% and 55.95% and dry weight of shoot with the percentages of increase 61.12% and 50.00% respectively. Similarly, Biozin-PTB (10% w/w) followed by Biofor-PF2 (10% w/w) and Biozium (10%w/w) proved to be efficient in reducing the nematode population, number of females and egg masses as well as reproduction rate. The number of healthy Rhizobium nodules was increased by all the treatments and the highest nodule development was found in treatment with Biozin-PTB (10% w/w). It was observed that the combination product of bioagent performed better than the single bioagent.