Highlighting the use of biocontrol agents as an alternative to chemical pesticides in the management of plant parasitic nematodes, this book reviews the current progress and developments in the field. Tactful and successful exploitation of each biocontrol agent, i.e. nematophagous fungi, parasitic bacteria, predaceous mites, rhizobacteria, mycorrhiza and predaceous nematodes, has been described separately. The contributors are 23 eminent nematologists and their information has been compiled in 19 chapters.

This book describes entomopathogenic and slug parasitic nematodes as potential biocontrol agents in crop insect and slug pest management. Addressing research on these two nematodes from tropical, subtropical and temperate countries, it covers the new techniques and major developments regarding mass production, formulation, application, commercialization and safety measures. Plans for future strategies to make these beneficial nematodes cost-effective and expand their use by including them in integrated pest management programmes in different agro-ecosystems are also discussed. Biocontrol Agents: Entomopathogenic and Slug Parasitic Nematodes provides a comprehensive review of the topic and is an essential resource for researchers, industry practitioners and advanced students in the fields of biological control and integrated pest management.

This book documents and illustrates major developments in the use of nematodes for the biological control of insects and slugs. It covers the use of three main types of nematodes: entomopathogenic nematodes, entomophilic nematodes and slug-parasitic nematodes. The biology, commercial production, formulation and quality control, application technology, strategy and safety of each of these three nematode groups is discussed. The book also examines the application of nematodes in different cropping systems, and the efficacy of nematodes against specific pests. The potential of predatory nematodes to control plant-parasitic nematodes and mycophagous nematodes to control fungal pathogens is also reviewed.

This book illustrates the currently available strategies for managing phytonematodes. It discusses the latest findings on plant-pathogen-microbiome interactions and their impacts on ecosystems, and provides extensive information on the application of microorganisms in the sustainable management of phytonematodes. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the application of potential strains of biocontrol fungi, endophytes and actinomycetes to enhance plants’ ability to fend off phytonematode attacks, leading to improved plant health. In conclusion, the book addresses new aspects like the biofabrication of nanoparticles and their application in plant disease management, and presents an extensive list for further reading.

Developing Climate-Resilient Crops: Improving Global Food Security and Safety is timely, as the world is gradually waking up to the fact that a global food crisis of enormous proportions is brewing. Climate change is creating immense problems for agricultural productivity worldwide, resulting in higher food prices. This book elucidates the causative aspects of climate modification related to agriculture, soil, and plants, and discusses the relevant resulting mitigation process and also how new tools and resources can be used to develop climate-resilient crops. Features: Addresses the limits of the anthropogenic global warming theory advocated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Presents the main characters (drought tolerance, heat tolerance, water-use efficiency, disease resistance, nitrogen-use efficiency, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration) necessary for climate-resilient agriculture Delivers both theoretical and practical aspects, and serves as baseline information for future research Provides valuable resource for those students engaged in the field of environmental sciences, soil sciences, agricultural microbiology, plant pathology, and agronomy Highlights factors that are threatening future food production

Plant Nematode Biopesticides presents the most current knowledge on various categories of biopesticides used in the management of nematode pests of crops or those that have significant potential as biological control agents. This book presents an exploratory and investigatory compilation and explanation of the actions and potentials of predatory nematodes, microbial agents, plant and other organic products, nanobiopesticides, and predatory invertebrates as biopesticides of nematode pests of agricultural crops. It is of unique importance and value as the only currently available single-volume resource focusing on plant parasitic nematodes as the pests and biopesticides. In addition, the book addresses common reservations in using biopesticides, either alone or in integrated pest management programs, providing advanced insights on various biopesticidal agents and products. Biopesticides may be microbial (nematodes, bacteria, fungi, virus, herbs etc.), plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), plant products (citronella oil, neem oil, capsaicin, pyrethrin etc.), synthetic biochemical molecules, pheromones, semio-chemicals, plant extracts, or nanobiopesticides. - Includes emerging areas of nanobiopesticides, chemical aspects of biopesticides and plant exudates - Presents strategies for researching nematodal biological control - Addresses problems related to the mass production, manufacture and formation of biopesticides from both animal and plant products

New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Sustainable Agriculture: Revitalization through Organic Products provides a comprehensive overview of different organic products which work as plant biostimulants, i.e., protein hydrolysates, chitosan, microbial derived exopolysaccharides, pectin, nanoparticles, etc. In addition, detailed insights in their mechanisms for plant growth promotion and stress alleviation are covered. This volume further discusses the extraction and formulation of organic products for use in sustainable agriculture. The application of microbial derived secondary metabolites in crop protection is also extensively covered. This book will be ideal for agrochemists, biotechnologists, biochemists, industrialists, researchers and scientists working on organic farming. - Comprises information on the various types of organic products and their applications in agriculture - Gives an insightful perspective on mechanisms of different organic products involved in plant growth promotion and stress management - Provides resourceful material for new ideas to develop organic formulations for agricultural practices

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. In addition to their use as bio-pesticides, EPNs have a fascinating biology and are thus considered model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis. This book presents basic knowledge and diverse applications to illustrate how EPNs play an important role as potent biocontrol solutions. This book is a must have for all pest management professionals including those practicing integrated pest management strategies.

Biocontrol Agents for Improved Agriculture, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents both an advanced and current description of the important role of plant and soil microbiome in plant disease management. Including the latest biotechnological interventions for harnessing plant and soil microbiome and their potential in controlling plant pathogen/ disease, as well as the commercialization of biocontrol products and exploration of microbial derived bioactive compounds, this book provides an important reference on the challenges of biocontrol products. Sections explore the bacterial and fungal species successfully applied as plant and soil inoculant for the effective management of plant diseases. As these microbial biocontrol agents not only suppress the plant disease, but also enhance the growth or agricultural production in sustainable ways, the book focuses on the molecular aspect of plant- pathogen interactions and their biocontrol strategies via the use of plant and soil microbiome. This book is an important reference for those seeking sustainable, safe options for protecting against microbial agricultural loss and environmental damage. - Presents emerging microbial biocontrol strategies for addressing plant pathogens - Covers production and commercialization of biocontrol products - Includes accessible, informative illustrations of current trends in microbial biotechnology

There is increasing interest in the use of fungi for the control of pests, weeds and diseases. This book brings together perspectives from pathology, ecology, genetics, physiology, production technology, to address the use of fungi as biological control agents.