This book provides basic information and different protocols associated with the Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their symbiotic bacteria. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and their associated bacterial symbionts Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus aid nematode infective juveniles (IJs) in infecting and killing their insect hosts, creating a unique tripartite complex of host-vector-symbiont interactions. Due to this insect killing capability, EPNs are used as biological control agents of economically important insect pests. They are also a model system to study host-parasite interactions. It provides a systematic approach to various nematode procedures including pathogenicity, reproduction, foraging behaviour. It gives a brief outline on historical aspects, nematode-bacterium complex, biology and chemical ecology of EPNs. It concisely describes host insect rearing, nematode sampling and storage, isolation techniques, counting, handling and staining of nematodes, characterization including morphological, molecular and ecological studies, mass production, virulence bioassay, field application and efficacy. The book also includes methods and techniques for their associated symbiotic bacteria. This book serves as a laboratory manual and assists the readers to undertake advanced research in different aspects related to nematodes. It is useful for researchers in the fields of nematology, microbiology, bacteriology and entomology.

Nematode worms are among the most ubiquitous organisms on earth. They include free-living forms as well as parasites of plants, insects, humans and other animals. In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in nematode biology, including the area of nematode behavior. The latter has, however, until now, not been synthesized into a single comprehensive volume. Nematode Behaviour seeks to redress this imbalance by providing the first comprehensive review of current knowledge of the behavior of nematodes. Key topics including locomotion and orientation, feeding and reproductive behavior, and biotic and abiotic interactions are reviewed by leading authorities from the USA, UK, India and New Zealand.

"Nematodes, especially Caenorhabditis elegans have been used as a model for research in molecular biology since the 1960's. This is a much-needed update on research on fundamental processes in areas such as genetics, developmental biology, nutrition, toxicology, ecology, pharmacology and medicine"--

Comprehensive Overview of Advances in OlfactionThe common belief is that human smell perception is much reduced compared with other mammals, so that whatever abilities are uncovered and investigated in animal research would have little significance for humans. However, new evidence from a variety of sources indicates this traditional view is likely

The Biology of Nematodes synthesizes literature on free-living, plant-parasitic, and animal-parasitic nematodes. Topics covered include systematics and phylogeny, neuromuscular physiology, locomotion, sense organs, behavior, aging, the nematode genome, survival strategies, immunology, structure and organization, gametes and fertilization, and feeding and metabolism. This volume, the most authoritative available, includes contributions from researchers working on groundbreaking molecular techniques leading to new approaches in the study of nematode worms. It provides an important resource for research scientists working in a number of agricultural, medical, and biological fields.

Nematodes are one of the most abundant groups of invertebrates on the face of the earth. Their numbers are estimated to range from 1000 per cm2 in the sand-covered hydrogen sulphide ‘black zone’ beneath the ocean floors to 1.2 billion in a single hectare of soil. Estimates for their species diversity range from 100 000 to 10 million. The past history of nematodes is a mystery, since very few fossils have been discovered. This book establishes a solid base in palaeonematology with descriptions of 66 new fossil species and accounts of all previous fossil and subfossil nematodes from sedimentary deposits, coprolites, amber and mummies. It shows how nematode fossils can be used to establish lineages at various locations and time periods in the earth’s history and when nematodes entered into symbiotic and parasitic associations with plants and animals.

Parasites that manipulate the behaviour of their hosts represent striking examples of adaptation by natural selection. This text provides an authoritative review of host manipulation by parasites that assesses developments in the field and lays out a framework for future research.

This book discusses nematodes for biological of insects. The book includes the following chapters; classification of nematode, key to entomogenous nematodes, nematode groups, microorganisms associated with entomogenous nematodes, immunity to entomogenous nematodes, natural enemies of entomogenous nematodes, environmental impact of entomogenous nematodes, and future prospects.

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 provides the first coherent examination of the vast literature on the diversity of organisms that constitute the natural enemies of terrestrial molluscs. In a series of review chapters, it provides an authoritative synthesis of current research on predators, parasites and pathogens and how they might be used to control mollusc pests.