Influence of Abiotic Factors on Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are potential biocontrol agents against many insect pests. The infective juveniles (IJs) dwell in soil ecosystem in a free-living state which is responsible for pest suppression under certain environmental condition. These IJs are faced with a wide range of environmental conditions during this stage. Abiotic factors such as temperature, moisture/relative humidity, soil texture and structure, ultraviolet radiation influence the survival, growth and development, and reproduction of entomopathogenic nematodes and ultimately their performance on bioefficacy against insect pests.