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Entomopathogenic nematodes: biological control agents

Authors

  • Elsa Borges da Silva Centro de Estudos Florestais, Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia de Biossistemas, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa
  • Francy Burgos University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Associate Laboratory Terra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Frei tas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability (CERES), Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
  • Sandra Castro Alltech Crop Science, Rua da Devesa 185, 4770-506 Ruivães, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
  • Luís Luís University of Coimbra, Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability (CERES), Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
  • Ivânia Esteves University of Coimbra, Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability (CERES), Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
  • Carla Maleita University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet (CFE), Associate Laboratory Terra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Frei tas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability (CERES), Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.37884

Abstract

This review highlights the high potential for using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biological control agents in order to reduced populations of phytophagous insects that can cause damage and/or insect vectors of diseases, in sustainable food production, as an alternative or complement to pesticides. Discovered in 1923, their commercialization as biopesticides began in 1976 and, since that time, there has been an exponential increase in research in this area. Information is presented about EPNs regarding their biology, ecology, mode of action, application, advantages and limitations to their use, as well as examples. Given their characteristics, which include a wide variety of associated hosts, the use of EPNs represents a sustainable and long-term option for reducing populations of phytophagous insects, and their application is suitable for integrated production and organic farming programs.

 

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Published

2025-05-10

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 1 (2025)

Section

General