Key Factors in the Development of Fungal Agents for the Control of Cyst and Root-Knot Nematodes

Abstract

Nematophagous fungi have been studied for more than a century and at least three species have been developed as commercial biological control agents (BCA’s). However, none is in widespread use because satisfactory and consistent levels of control have not been achieved (Kerry, 1987; Stirling, 1988). This is largely due to a lack of detailed information on the modes of action, ecology and epidemiology of those fungi considered to have potential as BCA’s. Most studies have been empirical and experiments purporting to demonstrate biological control rarely include evidence of the proliferation and survival of the agent in soil or data on the numbers of nematodes infected and killed (Kerry, 1990a). There is a need for in depth studies of model systems using agents with different modes of action to determine the key factors involved in the biological control of specific nematode pests.