An Overview on the Biology and Pathogenicity of the Bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, Symbiont of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as a Biocontrol Agent

Entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae families are the most effective insecticidal pathogens. The bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens symbiont of Heterorahbitis bacteriophora (Heterorhabditidae) is located in the intestines of its symbiotic nematode, and produce several pathogenic agents, toxic and antimicrobial compounds that can kill the host insects as well as non-symbiotic nematodes, including plant pathogenic nematodes. Due to the pathogenicity and the ability to infect a wide range of insect pests, the relationship of Ph. Luminescens - H. bacteriophora is a promising option for mass production of biological control agents in agriculture, considering the wide range of hosts and non-impact on non-target organisms and the environment, provides effective control of different species of pest insects with a biocontrol agent rather than several chemical compositions. In addition, the successful transferring of the tcdA gene, which acts as an insecticidal protein against the herbivorous insects, from Ph. luminescens to Arabidopsis thaliana in order to control herbivorous pests, increases the possibility of replacing this bacterium with Bacillus thuringiensis in production of transgenic plants. In this paper, the introduction of Ph. luminescens and its features for use in pest management are discussed.