As part of the cultural season activities at the University of Kerbala, and under the patronage of the esteemed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Ali Abdul-Hussein Karim, a seminar was held under the title:
“Contrasting Behavior of Plant and Insect Pathogenic Nematodes”
The seminar was presented by PhD student Ruaa Rafea Al-Khafaji and discussed in detail the contrasting behavior of plant and insect pathogenic nematodes. It highlighted their dual and opposing roles, focusing on Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) as a microbial biological control agent against insect larvae that attack agricultural crops, as well as their role in the environment, particularly in the era of sustainable agricultural technology.
The seminar also covered methods for extracting and preparing effective nematode suspensions as biological agents and discussed the role of symbiotic bacteria, which play a crucial role in eliminating the targeted insect host. This approach aims to protect agricultural crops, ensure a safe environment for humans, and reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which pose a threat to sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, the seminar explored future prospects for promoting the application of biopesticides against insect pests that affect agricultural crops to ensure food safety for consumers. This, in turn, contributes to achieving sustainable agriculture, increasing the production of organic, toxin-free crops, and advancing biological pest control methods.
