Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Insect Pests of Rice

Abstract

Rice is one of the important staple crop in the world. Rice pests cause yield reduction as well as value of the crop. A number of insect pests that attack rice plants account for yield losses. In the rice agro ecosystems, many types of entomopathogens such as nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses can reduce pest population. More emphasis should be placed on using an IPM approach where biological control with entomopathogens is also one of the main components. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) as a safe alternative to the use of insecticides against insect pests in IPM of rice.