Ecology and Recognition in the Nematode—Nematophagous Fungus System

In vitro trapping capability of Arthrobotrys spp. on infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus and Nacobbus aberrans

The trapping capability of Arthrobotrys oligospora and A. conoides (Hyphomycetales) against third stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae) was evaluated in an in vitro trial. Arthrobotrys oligospora showed a 35.87% and 25.71% trapping effectiveness against H. contortus infective larvae at 18 and 25°C, respectively; whereas the trapping capability of A. conoides was 92.17% and 90.40% at the same temperatures, respectively. Microscopic examination demonstrated that A. conoides spontaneously developed a large quantity of three-dimensional loops before the nematodes were added. Neither of the two species studied developed three-dimensional adhesive loops at 30°C, consequently no trapped nematode was observed. In a second trial, the trapping capability of A. conoides against H. contortus (L3) and second stage larvae (J2) of Nacobbus aberrans (Pratylenchidae), was evaluated at 25°C. The trapping capability shown by A. conoides was higher than 90% for both kinds of nematode. The possible use of A. conoides to control ovine haemonchosis is discussed.

Rhizosphere Interactions and the Exploitation of Microbial Agents for the Biological Control of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

A range of specialist and generalist microorganisms in the rhizosphere attacks plant-parasitic nematodes. Plants have a profound effect on the impact of this microflora on the regulation of nematode populations by influencing both the dynamics of the nematode host and the structure and dynamics of the community of antagonists and parasites in the rhizosphere. In general, those organisms that have a saprophytic phase in their life cycle are most affected by environmental conditions in the rhizosphere, but effects on obligate parasites have also been recorded. Although nematodes influence the colonization of roots by pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms, little is known of such interactions with the natural enemies of nematodes in the rhizosphere. As nematodes influence the quantity and quality of root exudates, they are likely to affect the physiology of those microorganisms in the rhizosphere; such changes may be used as signals for nematode antagonists and parasites. Successful biological control strategies will depend on a thorough understanding of these interactions at the population, organismal, and molecular scale.