ABSTRACT
The chemical ecology of insects, plants, vertebrates and nematodes is closely intertwined. These animals ocurr in complex ecosystems and in some cases become pests of humans. Nematode parasites inhabit almost every ecosystem on the planet and infect insects, plants, and vertebrates. All nematode parasites undergo a host infection phase, reproduce, disperse, and find new hosts. Transitions within and between life stages are mediated by communication among nematodes and between nematodes and their environment. This communication is conserved; similar blends of molecules regulate mate finding, life stage transitions, and dispersal. Furthermore, this communication occurs in a social context and it appears nematodes can even learn from other species to adapt to dynamic environments. Knowledge of nematode communication can be used in conjunction with their learning ability to disrupt their lifecycle. This may enhance infection of insect parasitic (entomopathogenic) nematodes for biological control and/or prevent infection by vertebrate or plant parasitic nematodes.
