San-Blas, E: Entomopathogenic nematodes - Tapa blanda

The study of entomopathogenic nematodes has progressed rapidly from the initial characterization of the different species to industrial production and formulation of commercial products. The ecological aspects or even ¿basic¿ biological features have largely been neglected. This lack of knowledge underestimates their potential as biological control agents Clearly the studies of the behavioural ecology of the entomopathogenic nematodes will help in the understanding of the nature of these organisms, and ultimately lead to improvements in the design of biological control methods. Although entomopathogenic nematodes belong to two different families (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) sometimes the scientific approach seems to treat them as the same or as if they share all of their characteristics with only minor differences. New and big differences between Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae can be seen in this work.

Ernesto San-Blas, PhD University of Reading, UK. Postdoctoral Researcher in the Vegetal Protection Lab at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (www.ivic.ve).