Indication and identification of entomopathogenic nematodes Rhabditida: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae (a review)

Abstract

Goal. Of the study is to analyze the peculiarities of the use of methods aimed at detecting and identifying beneficial microorganisms for plant protection — entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae). Results. A review of methods commonly used in faunistic studies of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) is given here, discussing their advantages and limitation. A single standard for many of the methods discussed in this review does not currently exist, so different approaches are described whose effectiveness has been confirmed experimentally and is considered satisfactory. First of all, the methods of soil sampling and insect hosts sampling and techniques for isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes from different types of samples are described. The most important systematic features of entomopathogenic nematodes, approaches to their identification and the main methods required for routine species identification, primarily the production of micro specimens and their examination by light microscopy, are discussed below. Methods of electron microscopy, cross-breeding and molecular genetic studies of entomopathogenic nematodes are also described. Conclusions. The obtained data are of significant theoretical and practical importance, as they allow for an informed choice of the most optimal method of detecting and identifying entomopathogenic nematodes — potential bioagents against insect pests.