Beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes

Nematodes, sometimes called “roundworms” or “eelworms”, are the most abundant animal on earth. They are found in nearly every ecosystem, from the arctic to rainforest and desert to sea floor. Including mushroom farms.

Most nematode species live freely in the environment, feeding on fungi, bacteria and other soil microbes. Others are predatory, while a significant number of species are parasitic. Some of this latter group are major pests, impacting the health of plants, animals and, in a few cases, humans. 

Perhaps surprisingly given their frequent ‘bad press’, the majority of nematodes are actually beneficial. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) fall within this group. EPN are insect specialists, most commonly attacking larvae living in soil. Some actively hunt, while others wait in ambush, entering their host through natural openings such as the mouth, spiracles and anus.

A team at Agriculture Victoria, led by Dr Aimee McKinnon, have been trialling EPN as part of Hort Innovation project MU22000, titled ‘non-synthetic alternatives to complement pest and disease management in mushrooms’. 

This article was written by Dr McKinnon and highlights some of the research conducted as part of the project.