Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer on Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs): A Review
Gitanjali Devi *
Department of Nematology, SCS College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Dhubri-783376, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In order to increase the present crop productivity modern cultivation technique should be incorporated. The addition of organic and inorganic fertilizers improve soil fertility, plant growth or crop productivity. The major challenges to agricultural production is the low yield due to infestation of insect pests. Integrated pest management practices is the best option for pest control. Integrated agriculture should include biological methods, such as biopesticides. Among the biopesticides, Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are obligate insect parasites in nature, can confer substantial benefits upon plants are safe biopesticidal alternatives to hazardous chemicals. Since these organisms live in an environment that continuously receives the addition of agrochemical compounds, viz., inorganic fertilizer, their abundance and infectivity of may be effected. This review presents an overview of compatibility of EPNs with inorganic fertilizers in agricultural management practices .
Keywords: Biopesticides, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), agricultural management practices, inorganic fertilizer, interaction with EPNs