Why entomopathogenic nematodes are safe to use as biological control agents against insect pests?
Because……. 1. Entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacterium have no detrimental effects on animals and plants. 2. Both nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria do not cause any harm to the personnel involved in their production and application. 3. Entomopathogenic nematode treated agriculture products are safe to handle and eat. 4. Entomopathogenic nematodes and symbiotic bacteria do not have any pathogenic effects on humans or animals. 5. When applied in the soil, entomopathogenic nematodes have also no negative effect on beneficial nematodes (bacteriovore, fungivore, omnivore and predatory) and other microbial communities. 6. Finally, entomopathogenic nematodes are non-polluting and thus environmentally safe.
