History of the discovery of the nematode Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora

In the 1960s, two British scientists, Poinar and Thomas, conducted research on entomopathogenic nematodes in soil. Their goal was to find nematodes that could be used in the biological control of insect pests.

During their studies, Poinar and Thomas discovered a new species of nematode which they named Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. They isolated these nematodes from infected beetle larvae in agricultural soils.

They observed that these nematodes had a unique mode of action, being carriers of symbiotic bacteria belonging to the genus Photorhabdus. Bacteria produce toxins that kill host insects, while nematodes feed on bacteria and dead insect tissue.

The discovery of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes has opened new perspectives for the biological control of crop pests. Since then, these nematodes have been widely studied and used in biological control programs, particularly for the control of beetle larvae and other soil insect pests.

The use of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes in biological control has continued to expand, with research aimed at improving their efficacy, conservation and practical application. Today, these nematodes are widely traded and used worldwide for the biological control of crop pests.