Entomopathogenic nematodes and the protected crops industry

Entomopathogenic rhabditid nematodes of the generaSteinernema and Heterorhabditis are ideal biological control agents for use against insect pests living in soils, composts or other cryptic habitats. The protected crops industry provides particularly favourable conditions for the survival, dispersal and recycling of rhabditids. The parasites are an effective and economic alternative to chemicals for the control of black vine weevil in ornamental pot plants. Their ability to infest a wide range of insects has also enabled them to be used successfully against several fly pests of mushrooms. In mushroom culture they not only control sciarid flies but also stimulate significant increases in crop yield.