22 October 2024, Africa: A new edition of CABI’s global standard book on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) – a ‘must have read’ for pest management professionals – has been published on the CABI Digital Library.
‘Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents,’ by David I. Shapiro-llan and Edwin E. Lewis, is an updated edition of previous work published by CABI on this topic in 2005 and includes contributions from world-leading EPN experts.
The 544-page book covers the biology and ecology of nematodes, their fascinating interactions with their symbiotic bacteria, and recent advances in their application in different crop systems.
Model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis
EPNs are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. In addition to their use as bio-pesticides, EPNs have a fascinating biology and are thus considered model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis.
The book, which includes contribution from Dr Stefan Toepfer, Research Scientist, Arthropod Biological Control at CABI, is one of only a few books available on entomopathogenic nematodes. He contributed to a chapter entitled ‘Applications of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Insect Pest Control in Corn.’
Dr Toepfer is currently researching developing beneficial nematode-based biocontrol solutions to fall armyworm in Africa as part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) as part of the Solution-orientated Research for Development Program (SOR4D).
Biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioral ecology
Chapters include those looking at fundamental concepts such as biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioral ecology. Also considered are Aspects of commercialization, including mass production, formulation, safety and regulation, and marketing.
Other chapters take account of diverse cropping systems, for example maize, wheat and grains, citrus, orchard systems, berries, vine crops, vegetables, and turf. There are also chapters which consider other applications including urban, nursery, forestry, greenhouse, veterinary and medical.
Ecological considerations and applications in conservation biocontrol also form the basis of a chapter in the book.
Updated book is an invaluable resource
Dr Toepfer said, “Entomopathogenic nematodes are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. Nowadays, those nematodes are among the most used groups of biocontrol agents against insect pests.
“There are many different species and strains, but only some are currently registered and used. The CABI BioProtection Portal is a global databased which includes many such bioprotection products.
“While the global research community on EPNs is, despite the importance of these biocontrol agents, relatively small, this updated book is an invaluable resource is a must have read for all those practicing integrated pest management strategies.”
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