Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are specialized parasitic natural enemies of insects, which can search for hosts autonomously and kill insects quickly, and are environmentally friendly and safe as an important class of pest biological control factors with application potential in sustainable pest management. Currently, EPNs have been produced and sold globally as commercialized new bioinsecticidal agents. However, the commercialization of EPNs requires efficient artificial culture technologies. Due to the high degree of specialization of EPNs, a proven artificial culture technology for commercialized EPNs needs to be optimized according to the nematode species. In addition to optimizing existing technologies, new artificial culture technologies need to be developed. In this article, we reviewed the history and current status of research and application of the artificial culture technologies of EPNs at home and abroad, introduced in vivo and in vitro culture technologies in detail, discussed the main factors affecting the yield of EPNs, and emphasized the need to optimize the artificial culture technologies and to reduce the cost of culture. In the future, with the continuous optimization of artificial culture technologies, the commercialization of EPN species can be enriched, while the economic loss of agricultural production can be reduced and the soil environment can be improved, which are of important economic and social value.

Key words: Entomopathogenic nematodes; in vivo culture; in vitro solid culture; in vitro liquid culture; in vitro solid-liquid biphasic culture, application technology