Host-Finding Behaviors and Chemical Receptors of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Öz

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), belonging mainly to the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, are widely recognized as effective biological control agents against soil-dwelling insect pests. Their infective juveniles (IJs) actively search for hosts and release symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus or Photorhabdus), which kill the insect within a short period and provide nutrients for nematode reproduction. Host-seeking behavior varies among species and is based on distinct foraging strategies such as ambushing, cruising, or intermediate modes. EPNs rely heavily on chemical cues, including carbon dioxide, herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), and insect-derived compounds, to locate suitable hosts. These chemical signals not only enhance the accuracy of host finding but also increase the efficiency of infection. Soil characteristics, moisture, and organic matter content significantly influence the dispersion and perception of these cues. Moreover, EPNs display species- and strain-specific responses to chemical stimuli, shaped by genetic adaptation, selection pressures, and environmental conditions. Understanding the chemical ecology of EPNs is essential for developing sustainable pest management strategies. Recent research suggests that exploiting attractive signals, deploying infected cadavers, or enhancing nematode responsiveness through pre-exposure may improve their field performance. Thus, integrating knowledge of host-seeking behavior and chemoreception provides a promising framework for optimizing the use of EPNs as environmentally friendly alternatives in agricultural pest control.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Biological control
• Entomophatogenic nematode
• İnfochemicals
• Host-finding behavior

Etik Beyan

This study did not involve any experirnental applicaı:ion on human or animal subjects. It was conducted using metbods that do not require ethics coınmittee approval, such as evaluation of existing data, literature review, or observational data. Therefore, an ethics committee decision is not required for ıhis research.

Entomopatojen Nematodların Konukçu Bulma Davranışları ve Kimyasal Reseptörleri

Öz

Entomopatojen nematodlar (EPN’ler), toprak kökenli zararlılarla biyolojik mücadelede önemli potansiyele sahip doğal düşmanlardır. Heterorhabditis ve Steinernema cinslerine ait bu nematodlar, simbiyotik bakterileri (Photorhabdus ve Xenorhabdus) aracılığıyla konukçularını kısa sürede öldürerek gelişim ve çoğalmalarını sağlarlar. Konukçu bulma davranışları, türlere özgü konukçu arama stratejileri (pusu, ara ve gezen tip) ile şekillenir. EPN’ler, karbondioksit, bitki uçucu organik bileşikleri (HIPV’ler) ve böcek kaynaklı kimyasallar gibi çevresel ipuçlarını kemotaksi ve kemosensör mekanizmaları sayesinde algılar. Bu sinyaller arasında özellikle otçul zararına uğramış köklerin salgıladığı uçucu bileşikler nematodların yöneliminde kritik rol oynamaktadır. Ayrıca, böcek dışkısı ve feromonlar da güçlü çekici faktörler arasında yer alır. Toprak tipi, nem, pH ve organik madde varlığı bu kimyasal sinyallerin yayılımını ve etkinliğini doğrudan etkilemektedir. Tür ve suş düzeyinde gözlenen farklı tepkiler, genetik adaptasyon ve çevresel koşulların EPN davranışında çeşitlilik yarattığını göstermektedir. EPN’lerin kimyasal ekolojisinin anlaşılması, tarımsal zararlılarla mücadelede daha etkin, çevre dostu ve sürdürülebilir biyolojik kontrol stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine önemli katkılar sağlayacaktır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Bilgi kimyasalları
• Biyolojik kontrol
• Entomopatojen nematod
• Konukçu bulma davranışları

Etik Beyan

Bu çalışma, insan veya hayvan denekleri üzerinde herhangi bir deneysel uygulama içermemektedir. Mevcut verilerin değerlendirilmesi, literatür taraması veya gözlemsel veriler gibi etik kurul onayı gerektirmeyen yöntemler kullanılarak yürütülmüştür. Bu nedenle, bu araştırma için etik kurul kararı gerekmemektedir.

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