A systematic review on research trends and commercialised entomopathogenic nematodes: A global perspective

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are exempt from pesticide registration requirements in several countries due to their excellent safety profile regarding the surrounding ecosystem. Nonetheless, biocontrol agents (BCAs) remain among the least commercialised agro‐inputs. This is further evidenced by eight Steinernema and six Heterorhabditis species being commercialised from the identified 114 and 22 species, respectively. Notwithstanding the benefits of EPNs, there are several obstacles preventing their commercial application. To emphasise the need for increased commercially available EPNs products, this systematic study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) to evaluate factors contributing to the lesser‐marketed EPNs. After a comprehensive search of databases including Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar, 3547 records were found, from which 101 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that two primary obstacles for less commercialised EPNs are (i) their relatively high cost and (ii) inconsistent effectiveness. Increasing the manufacturing efficiency of EPNs, appropriate formulations and application technologies pose challenges to their market competency. To maximise the widespread use of EPNs, these methods are discussed together with their benefits and drawbacks. As such, initiatives to develop EPNs should be exponentially increased and founded on two key strategies: increasing the effectiveness and commercial competency of EPNs. This review is distinctive in synthesising ecological insights on EPNs diversity, survival and symbiotic relationships with their commercialisation status and policy frameworks, thereby highlighting actionable pathways to transform ecological knowledge into market‐ready, sustainable pest management solutions.