Research progress on the biological control of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using entomopathogenic nematodes

Tuta absoluta is a globally invasive pest originating from South America that primarily damages Solanaceous crops. Currently, the main control method for T. absoluta is chemical control, but chemical control can lead to an increase in pest resistance, and cause damage to the environment, non-target species, and even negative impacts on human health. Therefore, environmentally friendly biological control techniques have become a research focus and have gradually replaced chemical control in several countries and regions for managing T. absoluta. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are commonly used as biological control agents in pest management and are an important part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. At present, the research on biological control of T. absoluta using EPNs remains fragmentary. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of using EPNs to control T. absoluta globally, and summarizes it from the following parts: (1) classification and biological characteristics of EPNs; (2) research progress on using EPNs to control T. absoluta; (3) effects of environmental factors on the efficacy of EPNs; (4) combined use of EPNs with other control measures. It summarizes the methods for enhancing the efficacy of EPNs against T. absoluta and provides prospects for future research on using EPNs for the management of T. absoluta.