Chapters authored
Plant Parasitic Nematodes: A Major Constraint in Fruit Production
The plant parasitic nematodes are one of the major limiting factors in fruit trees specially in citrus, banana, papaya, jackfruit, guava etc. The root knot nematodes are the major problem amongst all those nematodes infecting on these trees. Besides, directly causing a huge losses, they are also inviting the secondary plant pathogens, like fungi, bacteria, viruses etc. amongst which, the wilt fungus, Fusarium species increase the severity of the diseases. This complex disease is becoming much severe in banana and guava recent years. In citrus also, the citrus nematodes, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, is causing havoc by slow decline disease and it is becoming a major problem in horticultural nurseries because these nurseries are a hot spot of citrus nematodes. So, unknowingly these nematodes get spread to different places. The management of these nematodes by simple, cheap and eco friendly methods, is very important as it will decrease the monetary pressure on cultivators as well as it helps in improving environmental pollution.
Part of the book: Nematodes
Ecology, Adaptation, and Parasitism of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a distinct group of insect parasitic nematodes widely used in biological pest control. Nematodes in Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae have a mutual association with pathogenic bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family to kill insect hosts rapidly. In this book chapter, we would like to address the effect of ecology, behavior, symbiosis, and parasitism of EPNs for their entomopathogenic potential under field conditions in positive and negative way. Hence, this chapter will focus on four objectives—(1) The impact of biotic and abiotic factors in abundance, dispersal and persistence of EPNs, (2) the finding behavior of EPNs, (3) EPN adaptation strategies for survival during stress conditions, and (4) nature of nematode-bacterium symbiotic relationship and their role in killing insect pests. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, this chapter will contribute much to the existing knowledge on EPNs, emphasizing their ecological significance and the potential implications for sustainable pest control practices.
Part of the book: Nematodes