ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on what is known about the anhydrobiotic potential of some of the species concerned, their ability to withstand dehydration, the adaptations they employ, and how these factors may relate to solving problems of storage and field application that have arisen in the applied arena. Few subjects in nematological research have caused more interest, excitement, and consternation than the ability of nematodes to survive severe dehydration, a condition referred to as anhydrobiosis. To determine the anhydrobiotic potential of any organism, the habitats in which they are normally found must be assessed with respect to the rate and level of dehydration stress that may occur. Like other slow-dehydration strategists, steinernematid and heterorhabditid infective juveniles must be dried extremely slowly to ensure any survival. Differences in biochemical adaptations and their adaptive significance have already been shown to exist between slow- and fast-dehydration strategist nematode anhydrobiotes.
