Pheromones give nematodes a boost in controlling pests

Beneficial nematodes are proving to be powerful allies in the fight against detrimental crop pests, yet their effectiveness has traditionally lagged behind chemical treatments. A groundbreaking 2019 study by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) sheds light on how these microscopic organisms can be significantly enhanced using their own pheromones — chemical signals that guide nematode behavior.

Nematodes, tiny worm-like parasites, are valued because they target specific insect pests without harming humans or the environment. Among pests, the pecan weevil represents a severe challenge, capable of slashing pecan production by up to 70% in regions like the Southeastern United States and parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Traditional chemical controls come with environmental and health concerns, so biological alternatives such as nematodes are increasingly sought after.

The research team, including entomologist David Shapiro-Ilan and collaborators from ARS, Pheronym (an ag-biotech company), and the University of Idaho, discovered that applying pheromone extracts derived from the nematodes themselves can stimulate these organisms to become more active and aggressive predators. Their tests revealed that pheromone-exposed nematodes demonstrated a notable 28 to 78 percent increase in efficacy against both the pecan weevil and the black soldier fly compared to untreated nematodes.

Why does this matter? The pheromones essentially act like behavioral “boosters,” encouraging nematodes to disperse more efficiently and invade pest larvae in larger numbers. This targeted activation means fewer nematodes are needed to achieve effective pest control, reducing costs and environmental strain.

The implications extend beyond just pecan growers. Leveraging nematode pheromones represents a pioneering approach in pest management, harnessing natural biological cues to amplify the power of beneficial organisms. Notably, this may shift pest control paradigms toward safer, sustainable methods that align with ecological conservation goals.

This research is among the first to demonstrate that parasites’ own communication signals can be exploited to improve their success in controlling insect hosts. The study was recognized as a 2019 Research Highlight by the Society of Invertebrate Pathology’s Nematode Division, underscoring its importance in advancing agricultural science.

In a time when sustainable agriculture is critical to feeding the world responsibly, such innovations could enable farmers to better protect crops without heavy reliance on synthetic chemicals. The ongoing collaboration between government researchers, universities, and industry players symbolizes the kind of integrated approach needed to develop next-generation biological pest control solutions.