Biological control 2.0: use of nematophagous fungi enzymes for nematode control

Abstract

Nematophagous fungi are the most studied nematode-antagonistic organisms, and are efficient in controlling parasitic nematodes population on host. These fungi are prevalent in soil and the rhizosphere pathogens, saprophytes, or endophytes. From a biochemical point of view, enzymes play a fundamental role in the fungus-parasite interactive process. Based on the chemical structure of these different potential targets for catalytic action, enzymes produced by nematophagous fungi such as proteases, chitinases, and lipases constitute a powerful arsenal in the predatory mechanism. The use of enzymes is a green technology that may be the future of sustainable pest control worldwide. Once many factors impact fungus virulence and enzymes activity, more studies are necessary to increase nematophagous enzymes efficiency in the field and contribute to the development of new biopesticides and the future of biological control.