Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Systematics, Phylogeny and Bacterial Symbionts deals with morphology, taxonomy, and systematics of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae and bacteria associated with these nematodes.

The first part of the book covers history, taxonomic status, family, and genus definitions of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPN). The next section include many useful aspects of morphology and methodology of EPN with illustrations and SEM photographs. Also included are instructions on how to make the measurements and how to use them in taxonomic work. A polychotomous key with scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs and illustrations is provided. In the third part, full descriptions of all species are presented with the latest information about each species. In the fourth part, molecular and phylogenetic methods for working with EPN are presented, including the latest information and instruction on how to use molecular data in taxonomic work. In the last part, bacteria associated with this group of nematodes are discussed in the context of the latest information about methodology, biology, and taxon.

Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Systematics, Phylogeny and Bacterial Symbionts

Chapter 1: Introduction

David J. Hunt

Early beginnings of dragons and serpents
The first entomopathogenic nematodes
The discovery of Steinernema carpocapsae
The re-establishment of Steinernema kraussei
A rose by any other name?
Biogeography and distribution
Establishment of protocols for species descriptions
Morphological and morphometric characterisation
Molecular methodologies and phylogeny
Vermiculture and application technology
Major modern monographs
Perspective
References

Chapter 2: Overview of taxonomy and systematics

David J. Hunt

The family Steinernematidae
Family Heterorhabditidae
References

Chapter 3: Methodology, morphology and identification

Khuong B. Nguyen

Methodology
Identification
References

Chapter 4: Steinernematidae: species descriptions

Khuong B. Nguyen, David J. Hunt and Zdenek Mrácek

The genus Steinernema
The genus Neosteinernema

Chapter 5: Heterorhabditidae: species descriptions

Khuong B. Nguyen and David J. Hunt

The genus Heterorhabditis

Chapter 6: Phylogeny and evolution

Byron J. Adams, Scott M. Peat and Adler R. Dillman

Introduction
Phylogeny
Species delimitation
Molecular methods
Acknowledgements
References

Chapter 7: Bacterial symbionts of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis

Heather S. Koppenhöfer

Introduction
Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus life cycle
Phenotypic variation
Taxonomy and systematics of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus
Phylogenetic systematics
Nematode/bacteria association
Discussion
Methodology
Acknowledgements
References

"This book is a must-have for all those who want to describe new species of either Steinernema or Heterorhabditis.  The book provides monumental information to help identify these entomopathogenic nematodes and use them as biocontrol agents."
—International Journal of Nematology