Eco-Friendly Management of Helicoverpa Species through Entomopathogenic Nematodes: A Review
Gitanjali Devi *
Department of Nematology, SCSCA, Assam Agricultural University, Dhubri-783376, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Helicoverpa species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important and widely distributed in India and many other countries all over the world. Larvae are the voracious feeder on leaves but are most damaging on reproductive parts of crops. The use of chemical insecticides is the primary suggested method for controlling this pest. Owing to health and environmental issues, alternative control methods are necessary. Biological control utilizing Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is an environmentally friendly method for keeping pest numbers below acceptable levels. EPNs, Steinernema spp., and Heterorhabditis spp. are deadly insect parasites found in agricultural crops and are acknowledged as significant biocontrol agents. Due to their symbiotic bacteria, which emit toxins that lead to the insect's septicemia within a few days. The infective juveniles residing in the soil and Helicoverpa species spend a portion of their life cycle as pupae in the soil, making them easily susceptible to the EPNs. However, the efficacy of EPNs to control Helicoverpa species is depend on virulence, application techniques, interactions among hosts and resource competitors as well as environmental conditions. With new technical methods we can expand EPN applications in agro-ecosystems and promoting eco-friendly Helicoverpa management. This review paper provides an overview of development of EPN research and evaluation of their potential for use related to Helicoverpa species.
Keywords: Agro-ecosystems, biological management, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Helicoverpa species, virulence