Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents

Entomopathogenic nematodes (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. This book presents basic knowledge and diverse applications to illustrate how EPNs play an important role as potent biocontrol solutions. It describes: Fundamental concepts such as biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioural ecology. Aspects of commercialization, including mass production, formulation, safety and regulation, and marketing. Diverse cropping systems e.g. maize, wheat and grains, citrus, orchard systems, berries, vine crops, vegetables and turf. Other applications including urban, nursery, forestry, greenhouse, veterinary and medical. Ecological considerations and applications in conservation biocontrol. This book is a must have for all pest management professionals including those practicing integrated pest management strategies.

David Shapiro-Ilan is a Supervisory Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS, Georgia, USA. Dr. Shapiro-Ilan's research focuses on invertebrate pathology/microbial control. Areas of interest emphasize the study of entomopathogenic nematodes and include biological control applications, production and formulation technology, and studies on nematode behavior (especially foraging dynamics). Dr. Shapiro-Ilan has published more than 240 peer-reviewed journal articles plus 27 book chapters and > 60 trade journal/extension articles; he has co-edited 5 books and is inventor on 8 patents. Selected awards include Fellow of the Society of Nematologists, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, EEO/Civil Rights, Excellence in IPM (SEB-ESA, 2012), and > $23 million as PI/co-PI on competitive grants. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology.

Edwin Lewis is a professor and has served as head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho (UI); he currently is the co-director of the Center for Health in the Human Ecosystem, also at UI. Lewis' research focuses on biological control of insects using entomopathogens, management of plant-parasitic nematodes, animal behavior, and soil ecology. He has published more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, 18 book chapters, 2 edited books and is inventor on 2 patents. Selected awards include Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (Pacific Branch, ESA) and >$4 million in grant support. He served as subject editor for the Journal of Nematology and subject editor and editor-in-chief for Biological Control. His teaching commitments have included Behavioral Ecology of Insects, Pesticides in the Environment, Parasites and Civilization, Biological Control and several research seminars.

Dr. Surendra Dara is an entomologist with more than 25 years of experience in IPM and microbial control. He worked on numerous invasive and endemic species of arthropods and plant pathogens. Dr. Dara has a strong research and extension background working on irrigation, nutrient, and pest management issues, biostimulants, and biological soil amendments to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. His research and extension covered commodities such as alfalfa, cassava, cotton, small fruits, and vegetables serving agricultural communities locally, regionally, and internationally. Dr. Dara has authored/co-authored more than 400 scientific and extension articles, which include three co-edited books, four co-edited special issues of journals, 25 book chapters, and 54 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has extensive international outreach experience training farmers in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Kosovo, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe. He received multiple national awards for his internationally recognized research and extension work. He holds editorial responsibilities for multiple journals and is currently the Past President of the Plant-Insect Ecosystems Section of the Entomological Society of America and the Chair of the Meetings Committee of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology.

Itamar Glazer is Researcher at the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Israel.

Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy has been an Entomologist/Insect Ecologist at Montana State University Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center since 2012. Prior to that he spent 10 years in Guam working as a Chemical Ecologist and Entomologist. He has more than 25 years of entomological research, teaching and extension experience and has worked in various countries on different programs. Dr. Reddy has a research background in pest management, biological control, behavioral and chemical ecology and multitrophic interactions. Dr Reddy has 150 publications in international journals. He serves as Editor for Nature Scientific Reports, PLOS ONE, Environmental Entomology, Annals of the Entomological Society of America, and Florida Entomologist. He was also Co-Editor for a multi-authored book Biological Control of Tropical Weeds Using Arthropods published by Cambridge University Press in 2009.