Biocontrol agents: entomopathogenic and slug parasitic nematodes.

Chapter 16 (Page no: 327)

Status of entomopathogenic nematodes in integrated pest management strategies in Argentina.

Several studies have been performed in Argentina with the aim of isolating entomonematodes as biological control agents (BCAs) of pests of public health and agricultural importance. This chapter presents the results of research undertaken in Argentina and the current status of the potential use of entomonematodes as BCAs. Its main emphasis is inclined towards the two entomophilic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, and their status in integrated pest management (IPM) in Argentina. The information presented joins the most relevant bibliographical information from the personal experience of the authors and other specialists in the country. In Argentina, IPM has grown considerably in recent years, supported by increasingly important professional advice and directly related to the health of crops and the high yields achieved. So far, no company has formalized the registration of products based on EPNs in Argentina, with application and checks having only been carried out on a small scale with native agents, mainly for research and development. However, the use of nematodes in IPM, although incipient, has shown encouraging results, reducing the damage caused by pests of horticultural crops such as insects of the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera orders and some rootknot nematodes. Although an extensive study has been conducted on entomonematodes in Argentina, the future of these investigations must involve further field trials and refinements in the techniques of mass production, along with long-term studies to ascertain the dynamics and development of these entomoparasites within natural populations of insects that are relevant to both agriculture and human health.

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