Studies of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Behaviour.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rao, Istkhar.

Series:

Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods: Biology, Chemistry and Behavior Series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Insect nematodes.

Nematodes as biological pest control agents.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (360 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated, 2024.

Summary:

"Farmers use pesticides as a means to manage pests during the crop's growth period, in conjunction with fertilizers. The farmers' confidence of possessing effective control allowed them the freedom to reorganize their harvesting techniques. Nevertheless, the increased sowing density, intensified fertilization, use of growth regulators, and adoption of high yielding cultivars have rendered agricultural systems more susceptible to pest infestations, therefore leading to a heavy reliance on pesticides. In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of insect outbreaks, causing a major challenge for agriculture systems. These pests have developed resistance to insecticides, resulting in substantial losses in crop productivity worldwide. Entomopathogenic nematodes, sometimes referred to as EPNs, are well recognized as key natural insect antagonists. They serve as very effective biological agents for controlling significant insect infestations in several countries worldwide. Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are two worldwide dispersed genera of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). These EPNs possess the remarkable capacity to survive in extreme settings and exhibit tolerance towards severe environmental factors such as lack of oxygen (anoxybiosis), extreme temperatures (thermobiosis), and dehydration (desiccation). Through mutualistic associations with pathogenic bacterial species such as Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, these organisms enhance their ability to kill insect hosts, hence increasing their virulence.. This book extensively covers various aspects of these nematodes, including the Oscheius species, which is now recognized as entomopathogenic. It offers detailed information on their taxonomic status, behaviour, symbiosis, mass production, and applications of EPNs. This comprehensive resource will be valuable to a wide range of readers interested in the field of Entomopathogenic Nematology"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Morphological and Molecular Tools in the Identification of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. History of Entomopathogenic Nematology

3. Life Cycle of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

4. Infective Juvenile Stage (IJs)

5. Morphological Characterisation

6. Molecular Identification

Conclusion

References

Chapter 2

Biosystematics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Integrating Morphological, Molecular, and Ecological Approaches

2. Entomopathogenic Nematodes

2.1. Entomopathogenic Nematodes: General View

2.2. Life Cycle and Biology of EPNs

2.3. The Host's Site and Foraging Tactics

2.4. Applications of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biocontrol Agents

3. Morphological Characterisation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

4. Molecular Characterisation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Conclusion and Future Prospectives

Chapter 3

Insect Virulence Mechanisms against Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Understanding the Molecular Basis of Host-Parasite Interactions

2. Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Life Cycle and Behaviour

2.1. Life Cycle and Behavioural Characteristics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Are Significant Factors in Their Interaction with Insect Hosts

2.2. Host-Finding Strategies and Colonisation of the Insect Host

2.2.1. Host Habitat Finding

2.2.2. Host Finding and Colonisation

3. Insect Virulence Mechanisms against Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs)

3.1. Overview of Insect Virulence Mechanisms against Entomopathogenic Nematodes

3.1.1. Physical Barriers

3.1.2. Immune Response

3.1.3. Symbiotic Bacteria Defence

3.1.4. Genetic Resistance

3.1.5. Behavioural Adaptations.

3.2. Role of Cuticle Barrier and Immune Response in Resisting Nematode Infection

4. Nematode Virulence Factors

4.1. Identification and Characterisation of Nematode Virulence Factors

4.2. Mechanisms of Nematode Penetration and Evasion of Insect Immune Response

4.2.1. Penetration Mechanism of EPNs

4.2.2. Evasion of Insect Immune Response

5. Host Specificity and Adaptation

5.1. Host Specificity of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Mechanisms of Adaptation to Different Insect Hosts

5.2. Implications for Understanding the Evolution of Host-Parasite Interactions

5.3. Evaluation of EPNs for Gastropods

6. Implications for Biological Control

6.1. Use of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Biological Control and Pest Management

6.1.1. Host Range

6.1.2. Manufacturing and Formulation

6.1.3. Method of Application

6.2. Implications of Understanding Insect Virulence Mechanisms for Enhancing Efficacy and Safety of Bio-Control Agents

6.2.1. Counteraction of Bacteria with the Immunological Response of Insects

6.2.2. Conservation Biocontrol

6.2.3. Other Varied Factors to Increase the Use of EPN

7. Strategies to Deal with Obstacles in the Way of Enhancing EPN Exploitation

7.1. EPN Strain/Species Improvement

7.1.1. Functional Sampling

7.1.2. The Sample Unit's Size

7.1.3. Improvement of Manufacturing, Formulation, and Application

7.2. Opportunities

Chapter 4

Genome Studies on Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Symbionts of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

2. Sequencing, Assembly, and Annotation of Genomes of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus

2.1. Overview of Current Techniques for Sequencing Bacterial Genomes

3. Genome Assemblies of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus

4. Genome Sequencing, Assembly and Annotation.

5. Paragons of Bacterial Genes Involved in Symbiosis and Pathogenesis

5.1. The xnp1 Locus Encodes Xenorhabdicin Which Indirectly Contributes to Host Specificity

5.2. The nilA-C Genes of X. Nematophila Directly Contributes to Its Specificity to S. Carpocapsae

5.3. A Few P. luminescens Genes That Encode Surface Attachment Contribute to Host Specificity

6. Toxaemia-Mediated Entomopathogenicity Is Encoded by Numerous Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Genes

7. Comparative Genomics: Pangenome Analyses of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Symbionts

7.1. Insights into EPN Traits Can Be Gained from Pangenome Analyses of Their Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Symbionts

8. Delineation of Species of Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus Symbionts Can Be Augmented by Pangenome Analyses

9. Application of Genomic Insights into Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Bacteria to the Improvement of EPN Biocontrol Efficacies

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

Acknowledgments

Chapter 5

Metabolites of Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus Bacterial Symbionts: From Discovery to Application

1.1. Overview of the Role of Bacterial Metabolites in the Symbiotic Relationship between Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus Bacteria and Their Nematode Hosts

1.2. Importance of Understanding the Chemical Diversity and Biological Activities of Bacterial Metabolites

2. Discovery and Chemical Characterisation of Bacterial Metabolites

2.1. Approaches for the Discovery and Isolation of Bacterial Metabolites

2.2. Chemical Characterisation of Bacterial Metabolites Using Modern Analytical Techniques

3. Biological Activities of Bacterial Metabolites

3.1. Overview of the Biological Activities of Bacterial Metabolites.

3.2. Examples of Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Insecticidal Properties of Metabolites Produced by Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus Bacteria

4.1. Mechanisms of Action of Bacterial Metabolites on Different Biological Targets

4.2. Insights into the Molecular Basis of Their Biological Activities

5. Applications of Bacterial Metabolites

5.1. Use of Bacterial Metabolites as Bio Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals, and Other Biotechnological Applications

5.2. Challenges and Opportunities for Commercialisation and Development of New Products

6. Future Directions and Challenges

6.1. Emerging Research Areas in Bacterial Metabolite Discovery and Characterisation

6.2. Challenges and Opportunities for Improving the Production and Yield of Metabolites

6.3. Implications for Future Research and Development of New Bioactive Compounds

Chapter 6

Exploring the Natural Product Diversity of EPN Symbionts with a Focus on Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus

2. Entomopathogenic Nematode-Symbiont Relationship

2.1. Mechanisms of EPNs Infection

2.2. Insect Immune Response to EPN Invasion

2.3. Role of Symbiont in Nematode Survival

3. Natural Product Diversity in Photorhabdus

3.1. Antiprotozoal Compound Released by Photorhabdus

3.2. Antifungal, Antibacterial, Insecticidal Compound Produced by Photorhabdus

3.3. Cytotoxic Compound Produced by Photorhabdus

3.4. Other Important Compounds Produced by Photorhabdus

4. Natural Product Diversity in Xenorhabdus

Chapter 7

Survival Biology and Ecological Significance of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

2. Habitat and Environmental Factors Affecting Entomopathogenic Nematode Survival

2.1. Soil Texture and Structure

2.2. Soil pH.

2.3. Soil Temperature

2.4. Soil Moisture

2.5. UV Radiations

2.6. Human Activities

3. Host-Parasite Interactions and Pathogenesis

4. Persistence of EPNS in the Environment

4.1. Effect of Temperature Extremities

4.2. Osmotic Pressure

4.3. Other Factors Affecting Persistence

4.3.1. Pesticides

4.3.2. Aeration

4.3.3. Antagonists

5. Dispersal of EPNs

6. Ecological Significance and Applications in Pest Management

Conclusion: Obstacles and Opportunities

Chapter 8

Behavioural Studies of Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Insights into Ecology, Evolution, and Application

1.1. Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) Life-Cycle

2. Social Behaviour and Group Dynamics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs)

2.1. Nematode Behaviour in Response to Host Cues

2.2. Nematode Behaviour in Interactions with Bacteria

2.3. Nematode Responses to Environmental Stressors

2.4. Implications for Biological Control

3. Future Directions and Challenges

Chapter 9

Behavioural Strategies of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Effective Insect Biocontrol

2. Nematode Behaviour in Host Finding and Recognition

3. Nematode Behaviour in Interactions with Symbiotic Bacteria

3.1. Communication and Cooperation between Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria

4. Host Range and Specificity

4.1. Factors Influencing the Host Range and Specificity

4.2. Role of Nematode Behaviour

5. Environmental Factors Affecting Nematode Behaviour

6. Nematode Behaviour in Relation to Other Biological Control Agents

6.1. Viruses

6.2. Bacteria

6.3. Fungi

6.4. Predators and Parasitoids

6.5. Nematodes

Chapter 10.

Behavioural Ecology of Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Requisite Characteristics for Effective Biological Control.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9798895301425

OCLC:

1474688852