Entomopathogenic Nematode Production Technology and Application for Vegetable Insect Pest Control

Abstract

The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of Steinernema Thai isolate are roundworms which invisible to naked eye. The genus Steinernema attributes belonging to family Steinernematidae and having mutaulistic association with bacteria of the genus Xenorhabdus. Symbiont bacteria Xenorhabdus carried in anterior intestine of the infective juveniles (IJs) stage. This stage is a free-living in the soil. Steinernematids have behavioural biology including ambush, cruise, or intermediate foraging strategies of hosts. When EPNs encounter insect hosts, nematodes will jumping and enter through natural openings, such as the mouth, anus, and spiracles and penetrate into insect hemocoel. Inside the host hemocoel has hemolymph, IJs exposed to hemolymph together pumping bacteria down the intestine and out the anus. Bacteria multiply rapidly in hemolymph and produce toxins and kill insect hosts with 24-48 hours due to septicemia. The above potential mentioned said that with detrimental the target insect pest in wide ranges. Moreover, simply in in vitro nematode mass production, thus leads to biotic agents for vegetable insect pest control. The application of nematode biotic agents (NBAs) is guideline to pesticide residue free, hygienic, and organic vegetable crop production. So, in vitro nematode culture which farmer or farmer group can do it by themselves. Finally, when having use NBAs in widespread, that will be expand the technology to other farmers and farmer groups. This reason affects sustainable vegetable crop production to be more.