Numéro du projet: 26.30.16.05.03_EPNair
EPNair: Nématodes entomopathogènes pour lutter contre les insectes aériens nuisibles
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are insect-parasitic roundworms that use environmental cues (vibrations, magnetic fields, volatile organic compounds) to locate and infect hosts, killing them within 24–48h via symbiotic bacterial septicemia. Traditionally used against soil-dwelling pests, recent research explores their potential for managing airborne pests. Using tomato as a model, this project investigates EPN (Steinernema feltiae) behavior on leaf surfaces, focusing on chemotaxis toward volatiles emitted by pest-damaged leaves. Four work packages aim to: (WP1) develop an experimental framework for aboveground EPN behavior, (WP2) study their movement on leaf surfaces, (WP3) assess behavior across commercial EPN species, and (WP4) evaluate relevance in other cropping systems. The goal is to advance from concept (TRL3) to practice (TRL5), offering sustainable control of pests like Tuta absoluta, Helicoverpa armigera, Pieris rapae, and others, while opening new markets for biocontrol and fostering collaboration.
