Investigations on the efficacy of encapsulation of the endoparasitic fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis for control of plant-parasitic nematodes

The endoparasitic fungus ›Hirsutella rhossiliensis‹ infests a multitude of plant-parasitic nematodes and is found in agricultural soils worldwide. However, commercial exploitation of ›H. rhossiliensis‹ as a biocontrol agent and as a component for nematode management requires proper formulation. Until now, a suitable method for controlled release of this fungus has not been found. This book reveals the efficacy of different materials based on polymers of renewable resources for encapsulation of ›H. rhossiliensis‹ as well as the efficacy of alternative liquid and solid formulations applied against the sugar beet cyst nematode ›Heterodera schachtii‹ and the root-knot nematode ›Meloidogyne incognita‹. The host suitability of ›H. rhossiliensis‹ towards plant-parasitic nematodes as well as non-target, entomopathogenic nematodes is presented. Furthermore, the compatibility of ›H. rhossiliensis‹ towards various pesticides is demonstrated.