Formulations of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Storage and Application

Entomopathogenic nematode formulation technology has made significant progress in the past 15 years. Formulations ranging from the impregnation of nematodes on artificial sponge to highly advanced granular formulations have been developed. Major challenges have included the development of room-temperature shelf stability, ease of use, and contamination control. Enhanced storage stability has been achieved through the reduction in the rate of stored energy consumption by the infective juveniles. This has been achieved through the reduction in nematode activity by either physically trapping them in gels or through reduced water activity of the substrates leading to partial anhydrobiosis. At present, a maximum room temperature shelf-life of 4-5 months has been achieved for only Steinernema carpocapsae in a water dispersible granular formulation (WDG). Other Steinernema spp.(S. feltiae and S. riobrave) can only be stored for 2-3 months at room temperature . A new wettable powder formulation has been developed that allows ambient storage of the first Heterorhabditis product for 2-3 months.