Abstract
This book contains chapters that capture the full breadth of the basic and applied information on entomopathogenic (EPNs) and slug parasitic nematodes (SPNs) that are used or have potential in the management of insect pests, molluscs and/or other researched targets such as plant parasitic nematodes. The information includes the remarkable developments and latest achievements in this direction. The volume is divided into seven parts. The two chapters in Part I introduce comprehensive information on beneficial nematodes in general and their importance, with emphasis on crop pest management. In Part II, there are four chapters devoted to covering the different aspects of the morphology, taxonomy, biology and diversity of EPNs. Part III deals with EPNs and their symbiotic bacteria against crop insect pests and consists of seven chapters. Four chapters describe their role in the management of such insects in the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, as well as stored grain pests. Two chapters address the toxic secretions of the EPN-mutualistic bacterial species in the two genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, and their efficacy against crop insect pests either singly or with EPNs. The last chapter of this part is devoted to the mass production, formulation and application of EPNs. Part IV addresses 11 developed and developing countries as points in case, where the role of EPNs in the integrated pest management strategies implemented in each of these countries is presented. Part V presents the genetics for enhancing the efficacy of EPNs. It contains two chapters dealing with nematode breeding, as well as classical and current methods to achieve such an enhancement. Part VI has three chapters organized for SPNs. In Part VII, there are three chapters to conclude the potential commercialization and future prospects of EPNs and SPNs.