Beneficial Nematodes

Contents: 1. Beneficial Nematode Fauna: Predators, Parasites of Insects, Molluscs and Other Pests. 2. Entomophilic Nematodes: Important Groups, Types of Nematode- Insect Associations; Taxonomic Characteristics of Nematode Parasites of Insects. 3. Host: Parasite Relations and Life Cycle of Mermithids, Entaphelenchids, Thelastomids, Sphaerularids and Tylenchids. 4. Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Steinernema, Heterorhabditis, Oscheius: Their Morphological Characteristics, Taxonomic Status, Biology and Mode of Action. 5. Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Mass Multiplication Techniques, Formulations, Field Applications & Efficacy and Success Stories. 6. Nematodes as Biological Models, As Indicators of Pollution and Role of Nematodes in Organic Matter Recycling.

This book is a clear, practice-focused guide to beneficial nematodes and their roles in pest control and soil health. It explains predator and parasite nematodes, how they associate with insects and other pests, and what their life cycles look like. You’ll learn the essentials of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN)—Steinernema, Heterorhabditis, and Oscheius—their biology, how they kill pests, and how to produce, formulate, store, and apply them in the field. Real-world notes on efficacy, success stories, and integration with other biocontrol tools help readers put ideas into action. The book also shows how nematodes serve as bioindicators of pollution and contribute to organic matter recycling, linking pest management with healthier soils and ecosystems.