Entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria from Africa: diversity and use as biological control agents

Extensive surveys of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been conducted globally to identify native species. In Africa, EPN-related research has gained much attention over the past two decades, with several surveys having been undertaken in different countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania. Such surveys have led to the description of 37 EPN species and 16 species of symbiotically associated bacteria being documented from Africa. Whereas South Africa and Egypt have made significant progress in the discovery and identification of EPN, in terms of their symbiotic bacteria and pathogenicity testing against pest insects, in many other African countries, the research is still in its early stages, or is else non-existent. Most research conducted so far has focused on laboratory bioassays, while research on the use of nematodes in more natural environments is scant. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of EPNs and their associated symbiotic bacteria from the African continent. The biological control potential of local EPN isolates against various economically important insect pests in Africa is also discussed.