Figure 8
Model for ascaroside pheromones’ role in EPN emergence, dispersal and foraging. Stage 1 is the exodus signal. It is expected to be recognized by all EPNs for emergence from host cadaver. Stage 2 dispersal is the transition state from uncoordinated to coordinated movement. i.e. from randomly dispersing away from the cadaver to foraging. Stage 2 happens in the absence of pheromone signals from consumed host cadavers in the soil. Stage 3 group foraging, IJs form leaders and followers. Pheromone signals are expected to be released by IJs and be species specific. Image courtesy of Pheronym.
