Entomopathogenic nematodes as potential and effective biocontrol agents against cutworms, Agrotis spp.: present and future scenario.

Background: Cutworms (Agrotis spp.) are cosmopolitan and polyphagous pests distributed throughout world, which belong to the family Noctuidae, and about 26 species are found associated with agriculturally important crops in India and some other countries of world. The most prominent species belonging to genera Agrotis are Agrotis ipsilon, A. flammatra, A. plecta, A. spinifera and A. segetum. Cutworms cause substantial damage to many agricultural and horticultural crops particularly, at the seedling stage. This pest produces vitiating symptoms with a young stage (larvae) by feeding on the epidermis of leaves and eating away parts of the stem, tubers, etc. Results: This review article is mainly focused on management of cutworm, which is very challenging due to larval hiding behaviour during the day time and feed actively at night. Efficient chemical control of cutworm may be obtained by adequately applying chemicals when young caterpillars are still on the leaves and therefore vulnerable. As per biology of cutworms, these pests remain hidden in cracks and crevices during most of life cycle so chemical control is often ineffective and economic. Sometimes, inadequate application of these chemicals is resulted into the development of resistance in these pests. Moreover, the adverse effects of the chemicals have led researchers to search for new control strategies. Recently, biological control has become a practical option for eco-friendly management of numerous insect pests. Among biological control, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have broad potential to kill the cutworms in soil itself. Conclusions: Various species of EPNs like Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. are found a quite effective and hold considerable potential to manage cutworms. So, the use of EPNs for the management of cutworms is a good alternate to chemical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]