Advanced Formulation, Delivery Systems, and Technological Innovation in Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Sustainable Agriculture

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are widely recognized as effective biological control agents for managing insect pests in agricultural systems. Their advantages include environmental safety, specificity to target organisms, and compatibility with sustainable agricultural practices. Over the past decades, research has focused on improving their production, formulation, and application. However, despite their potential, the widespread adoption of EPN-based biopesticides remains limited. Key constraints include low environmental stability, sensitivity to abiotic factors such as ultraviolet radiation and desiccation, and challenges associated with storage and shelf life. Recent technological developments, including advances in formulation science, biomaterials, and precision agriculture, provide new opportunities to overcome these limitations and enhance the performance of EPN-based products.

This Research Topic aims to address critical technological challenges that limit the large-scale implementation of entomopathogenic nematodes as bioinsecticides. Although significant progress has been made in the development of EPN-based products, important gaps remain in formulation, environmental resilience, and field performance. In particular, there is a need to develop advanced systems that enhance nematode survival under adverse conditions, extend shelf life, and improve delivery efficiency.

Recent advances in nanotechnology, encapsulation techniques, and biomaterials have opened new avenues for improving EPN stability and functionality. Additionally, emerging approaches in automation, robotics, and precision agriculture offer innovative solutions for optimizing the application of biological control agents in diverse agroecosystems. This Research Topic seeks to integrate these interdisciplinary approaches to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world agricultural applications, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective and scalable biopesticide technologies.

This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and perspectives addressing technological and scientific advances in entomopathogenic nematode-based biopesticides. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced formulation strategies (e.g., encapsulation, hydrogels, pellets)

• Nanotechnology and protective systems for environmental stress mitigation

• Shelf-life improvement and storage stability of EPNs

• Mass production and bioprocess engineering

• Field application technologies and delivery systems

• Robotic and precision agriculture approaches for biological control

• Integration of EPNs into agroecological systems

Contributions that explore interdisciplinary approaches and promote the translation of scientific knowledge into practical applications are especially encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Entomopathogenic nematodes, Biopesticides, Entomopathogenic Formulation, Biological control, Delivery systems, Precision agriculture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.