The laboratory is focused on the study of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Nematoda) from the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae. These nematodes are characterised by having infective, soil free-living stages which are able actively search for soil dwelling insect host. Infective juveniles enter into host body cavity and cause its death in 48 hr. The host die due to bacterial septicaemia whereas the nematode is only a vector for the bacterium. This unique ability of entomopathogenic nematodes has been used in biological control of insect pests. At present, at least, several biological products based on these nematodes is commercially distributed in Europe, USA and some Asia countries.
Our laboratory is specialised for the research of new nematode isolates/species, study of their occurrence in the field and their relationship to outbreaks of insect pests. New approach in our investigation deals with inter/outer specific competition of EPNs in the laboratory and field experiments and finally nematode morphology, taxonomy and DNA characterization of ITS segments.
