Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Diversity of Native Entomopathogenic Nematodes, and Their Bacterial Endosymbionts, Isolated from Banana and Plantain Crops in Western Colombia

With the increasing negative impacts on worldwide food production caused by pests, recovery of native entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is relevant, since they are adapted to local environments, entomofauna, and significant virulence. Therefore, present study was designed recover understand phylogenetic diversity EPNs their associated bacterial endosymbionts, from banana plantain crops, as alternatives for control weevil species. An extensive sampling western Colombia covered 325 ha, yielding three EPNs’ isolates (0.49% samples). The molecular characterization included four mitochondrial nuclear loci, which, after merging with sequences 48 species, confirmed presence Steinernema carpocapsae, first report S. costaricense in South America, monophyly most clades. tree topologies were consistent loci but not mitochondrial, probably due high nucleotide substitution rate, deficit number species available these incomplete lineage sorting. endosymbiotic bacteria carpocapsae identified Xenorhabdus nematophila. However, symbiont presented a genetic similarity X. koppenhoeferi khoisanae, which still uncertain classification. identification America indicates wide range distribution this Americas its ability persist different soil types. For time, EPN isolation directed crops. Leveraging promises novel applications crop protection, while resources endosymbionts may provide metabolites spectrum uses, either agricultural or medicinal purposes.