Scanning electron microscopy of the predatory ability of agents of the biocontrol of nematodes

Nematode-trapping fungi have been studied as a promising alternative to control bovine gastrointestinal parasites and plant parasitic nematodes. Some encouraging results have been achieved with some species, by many researchers. Nematophagous fungi such as Arthrobotrys javanica, Dactylella leptospora, Monacrosporium eudermatum, M. robustum e Nematoctonus campylosporus were isolated from soil samples collected from different crops and agronomic environments proceeding from varies places in Brazil, making use of soil spreading methods. These fungi species were isolated at the Center of Animal Parasitology (CPPAR) at UNESP/FCAV, Campus Jaboticabal – SP. The predatory ability of these fungi, on free living nematodes (Panagrellus sp.) was documented at the Scanning Electron Microscopy Lab. The objectives of this work were to document, through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the morphological structures of these fungi, such as: capturing structures, size, form, septation of the conidia, connection clamp, exclusively on N. campylosporus, as well as the free-living nematodes captured by these fungi.