Soil inhabiting bacto-helmith complex in insect pest management: Current research and future challenges
Preety Tomar,
Neelam Thakur,
Sangram Singh,
Sanjeev Kumar,
Sarvesh Rustagi,
Ashutosh Kumar Rai,
Sheikh Shreaz,
Neelam Yadav,
Pankaj Kumar Rai,
Ajar Nath Yadav
Affiliations
Preety Tomar
Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Neelam Thakur
Department of Zoology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India
Sangram Singh
Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sanjeev Kumar
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sarvesh Rustagi
Depratment of Food Technology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Ashutosh Kumar Rai
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Sheikh Shreaz
Desert Agriculture and Ecosystem Department, Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait
Neelam Yadav
Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura-140401, Punjab, India; Chitkara Center for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh-174103, India
Pankaj Kumar Rai
Department of Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
Ajar Nath Yadav
Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur-173101, Himachal Pradesh, India; Corresponding author.
Pesticides have health consequences for humans, living organisms, and ecosystems. Research on biological management, with a primary focus on entomopathogens, has been accelerated by the rise in issues such as pesticide residue, soil degradation, and pest resistance. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are among the most frequently used and commercialised biopesticides. However, they are restricted in their infectivity, persistence, storage, and cost of production. The nematodes, along with their endosymbiotic bacteria, combine to form a nemato-bacterial complex. This complex is responsible for causing mortality in insect pests due to the production of insecticidal compounds. The adaptation of EPNs is an eco-friendly method, economical, and safer for the environment as well as non-target organisms. Moreover, it's a better alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, as it can be helpful in overcoming pest resistance and resurgence issues. Application of nematode juveniles is a cost-effective method, but the necessity of refrigeration and transportation may enhance their cost. This review emphasised the diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes and their endosymbiotic bacteria, the exploration of the biocontrol potential of insect pests by under-utilisation of nematodes, the development of nematode-based formulations, and the discussion of critical issues and required research in the future.
