Ecology in the service of biological control: the case of entomopathogenic nematodes.

摘要: Biological control manipulations of natural enemies to reduce pest populations represent large-scale ecological experiments that have both benefited from and contributed various areas modern ecology. Unfortunately, economic expediency the need for rapid implementation often require biological programs be based more on trial error than sound theory testing. This approach has led some remarkable successes but it also produced dismal failures. point is particularly well illustrated in historical development use entomopathogenic nematodes insect pests. Intense effort focused developing these as alternatives chemical insecticides, part because laboratory assays indicated possess a broad host range. illusory attribute launched hundreds field releases, many which failed due barriers infection are not apparent exposures, where conditions optimal host-parasite contact assured. For example, nematode Steinernema carpocapsae poor choice scarab larvae this uses an ambusher foraging strategy near soil surface whereas equally sedentary remains within profile, shows weak recognition response scarabs, difficulty overcoming immune response, low reproduction host. Conversely, two other nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora S. glaseri, highly adapted parasitize scarabs: they cruising strategy, respond strongly easily overcome reproduce hosts. Increased understanding ecology enabled better matches between parasites hosts, accurate predictions performance. These results underline importance strong partnership basic applied area control.