In vivo culturing of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of insect pests: A review

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are recognized as one of the effective bio-control agents of insects that are harmful to many agricultural crops. The two EPNs genera, Steinernema and Heterorabditis, are widely used nematodes. Insect pests infesting different agricultural crops and other plants, can be controlled using these nematodes. These beneficial EPNs can be mass produced using both in vivo, baiting using insects, and in vitro techniques, using solid or liquid fermentation. For laboratory trials, greenhouse experiments, or limited agricultural field trials, in vivo production of EPNs is most appropriate. As EPNs have a crucial part in the management of numerous insect pests of field crops, stored products/grains, mushroom culture, etc., they are valuable as eco-friendly products. Our focus in this paper is to present the various procedures and components involved in the in vivo mass production of EPNs and to provide a summary of factors that affect the in vivo mass production.