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Submitted to: Microbial-Based Biopesticides – Methods and Protocols
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2016 Publication Date: 9/1/2016 Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Morales Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G. 2016. In vivo production of entomopathogenic nematodes. In: Microbial-Based Biopesticides – Methods and Protocols. New York, NY: Humana Press. 1477:137-158. Interpretive Summary: In nature, beneficial nematodes (also called entomopathogenic nematodes) are parasites of insects. The nematodes are used widely as natural biopesticides for suppression of insect pests. These nematodes only kill insects and they are not harmful to humans or the environment. More than a dozen entomopathogenic nematode species have been commercialized for use in biological control. One of the challenging aspects in developing these nematodes as commercial bio-insecticides is mass producing them in an economically efficient fashion. Most nematodes intended for commercial application are produced in artificial media via solid or liquid fermentation. However, for laboratory research and small greenhouse or field trials, in vivo production of entomopathogenic nematodes is the common method of propagation. Additionally, small companies continue to produce nematodes using in vivo methods for application in niche markets. Advances in mechanization and alternative production routes (e.g., production geared toward application of nematodes in infected host cadavers) can improve efficiency and economy of scale. The objective of this chapter is to describe basic and advanced procedures for in vivo production of entomopathogenic nematodes. Technical Abstract: In nature, entomopathogenic nematodes in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema are obligate parasites of insects. The nematodes are used widely as biocontrol agents for insect pests. More than a dozen entomopathogenic nematode species have been commercialized for use as biopesticides. One of the challenging aspects in developing entomopathogenic nematodes as commercial bio-insecticides is mass producing them in an economically efficient fashion. Most nematodes intended for commercial application are produced in vitro via solid or liquid fermentation. However, for laboratory research and small greenhouse or field trials, in vivo production of entomopathogenic nematodes is the common method of propagation. Additionally, small companies continue to produce nematodes using in vivo methods for application in niche markets. In vivo production is limited by economy of scale. However, advances in mechanization and alternative production routes (e.g., production geared toward application of nematodes in infected host cadavers) can improve efficiency and economy of scale. The objective of this chapter is to describe basic and advanced procedures for in vivo production of entomopathogenic nematodes. |
