Entomopathogenic Nematode Application in Egypt and Russia: Challenges and Opportunities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Phytopathology Department, National Research Center, EI-Tahrir St., Dokki 12622, Giza, Egypt.

2 Centre of Parasitology of the A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii Prospect 33, 119071, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Biocontrol is a safe and environmentally sound alternative to chemical
insecticides. Current status of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) research and
application as bio-pesticide in Egypt and Russia is outlined. Adoption of organic
agriculture has induced fundamental changes in organic farmer management
practices. Therefore, new challenges for organic agriculture to include EPN against
insect pests in such practices in both countries are discussed. Major impediments
and solutions for EPN commercialization in Egypt and Russia are presented. More
financial, informative, regulatory, and technical support is needed in order to exploit
the potential for increased pest management through EPN applications in both
countries. We pointed out perceived reasons to develop techniques that exploit the
potential for effective pest management through different EPN application tactics.
Local EPN production should be encouraged to eliminate or reduce transport,
packaging, formulation and storage costs. Furthermore, local EPNs may be more
adaptive and less expensive without any risk to Egyptian and Russian fauna and
flora than imported strains. We addressed also guidelines necessary to increase the
number of people interested in the activities of EPN application against pests
hoping to reap clean and safe agro-products for man and the environment.

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