Genomics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Implications for Pest Control

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been used in biological control but improvement is needed to realize their full potential for broader application in agriculture. Some improvements have been gained through selective breeding and the isolation of additional species and populations. Having genomic sequences for at least six EPNs opens the possibility of genetic improvement, either by facilitating the selection of candidate genes for hypothesis-driven studies of gene–trait relations or by genomics-assisted breeding for desirable traits. However, the genomic data will be of limited use without a more mechanistic understanding of the genes underlying traits that are important for biological control. Additionally, molecular tools are required to fully translate the genomic resources into further functional studies and better biological control.

TrendsEPNs have been used in biological control but improvement is needed to realize their full potential as an alternative to chemical pesticides.The genome sequences of six species of EPNs are now available and more are being sequenced.As we increase our knowledge of the genes underlying traits that are important for the field efficacy of EPNs, these genomic data will become more useful in improving EPNs as biocontrol agents.