Interactions between Entomopathogenic Fungi and Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Soil Ecology
• Biological Control

Background:

• Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are natural soil inhabitants that infect and kill insects.
• These organisms are extensively utilized as biological control agents in integrated pest management programs.
• While sharing the soil environment and insect hosts, natural co-infections are seldom observed due to the soil's cryptic nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on interactions between EPF and EPN within insect hosts.
• To assess the impact of these interactions on natural pathogen populations.
• To evaluate the implications for the application of EPF and EPN in biocontrol strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing existing research on EPF-EPN interactions.
• Analysis of laboratory studies investigating co-infections and co-applications.
• Examination of factors influencing interaction outcomes, including pathogen and host species, doses, and infection timing.

Main Results:

• Co-application of EPF and EPN yields variable outcomes, including synergy, additive effects, or antagonism.
• Interactions affect pathogen development and reproduction, ranging from normal reproduction to competitive exclusion.
• Interaction outcomes are contingent upon specific pathogen-host combinations, pathogen loads, and infection sequences.

Conclusions:

• Understanding EPF-EPN interactions is crucial for optimizing biocontrol efficacy.
• Variability in interaction outcomes necessitates careful consideration of species, doses, and timing in biocontrol applications.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate in-host interactions and their ecological and applied consequences.