Entomopathogenic nematodes as an effective and sustainable alternative to control the fall armyworm in Africa.

The recent invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW), a voracious pest, into Africa and Asia has resulted in unprecedented increases in insecticide applications, especially in maize cultivation. The health and environmental hazards posed by these chemicals have prompted a call for alternative control practices. Entomopathogenic nematodes are highly lethal to the FAWs, but their application aboveground has been challenging.

subsp. subsp. nov., isolated from entomopathogenic nematodes.

Four Gram-negative bacterial strains isolated from entomopathogenic nematodes were biochemically and molecularly characterized to determine their taxonomic position. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that they belong to the class , family , genus , and that they are conspecific. The average 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the newly isolated strains and the type strain of its more closely related species, T228, is 99.

n. Sp. (Rhabditida, Steinernematidae), a New Entomopathogenic Nematode Species Isolated in the Republic of Rwanda.

Alternatives to hazardous insecticides are urgently needed for an environmentally friendly and effective management of insect pests. One such option is the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). To increase the availability of EPN with potential for biocontrol, we surveyed agricultural soils in the Republic of Rwanda and collected two isolates.

Comparative Screening of Mexican, Rwandan and Commercial Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Be Used against Invasive Fall Armyworm, .

The fall armyworm (FAW), Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of maize originating from the Americas. It recently invaded Africa and Asia, where it causes severe yield losses to maize. To fight this pest, tremendous quantities of synthetic insecticides are being used.