Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are insect parasites that are used successfully as biological controlagents against key pest insects of grapevine. To achieve low chemical residues and the sustainableproduction of grapes, it is important that biological control agents such as entomopathogenic nematodesfor the control of grapevine insect pests be incorporated in an integrated pest management system forgrape production. However, the commercialisation and large-scale use of EPNs is limited by their shortshelf life in formulations and in storage, thus leading to poor quality and reduced efficacy against insectsin the field. In South Africa, interest in the use of EPNs within an integrated pest management system hasgrown over the past two decades, therefore developing a formulation technique with an acceptable storagesurvival period, while maintaining infectivity, is essential. Moreover, the successful control of insects usingEPNs is only achievable when the formulated product reaches the end user in good condition. This reviewis focused on the different types of formulations required for storage and ease of transport, together withthe application formulation for above-ground pests and the factors affecting them. The quality assessment,storage and handling of formulated EPNs are also discussed.
The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers the potential of reducing the use of chemical insecticides in the agricultural industry. Hydrogels for the long-term storage of EPNs may have the potential to improve the storage ability of EPNs. In this study, infective juveniles (IJ) of a South African isolate Steinernema yirgalemense were formulated in different gels, which included a laboratory grade and consumer grade of agar, as well as STOCKOSORB® 660, and compared it with IJ in water. Their survival and pathogenicity of the IJ were investigated at 25 °C. The last instar larvae of Tenebrio molitor were used to test the pathogenicity of the IJs 6 weeks postformulation. IJs stored in 1% and 1.5% agar formulations were found to provide the best survival of 77% and 82% after 6 weeks in formulation. Results indicate consumer grade agar to be comparable with laboratory grade and can be used as a cheaper alternative for the formulation of S. yirgalemense. When comparing the STOCKOSORB® 660 formulations, 80% IJ survival was recorded in a formulation of 1 g in 50 ml of water, with 50% of the IJs surviving in a formulation of 1 g in 100 ml of water. The IJs formulated and stored in STOCKOSORB® 660 gel were found to be more virulent to Tenebrio molitor than were the IJs formulated in agar.
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