formulations are EPNs, whereas the carriers used are solid forms,
liquid forms, gels, and cadavers.
l
The additives are various substances with diverse functions, such
as absorbents, adsorbents, emulsifiers, surfactants, thickeners,
humectants, dispersants, antimicrobials, and UV-ray
protectors [209].
l
Successful storage under refrigeration conditions ranges from
1 to 7 months depending on the EPN species.
l
Temperatures as low as 2–5
C reduces their metabolic activity
and improves their shelf life [208].
l
Various entomopathogenic nematode formulations are gels,
synthetic sponges, alginate capsules, EPN-infected cadavers,
activated charcoal, clay, paste, peat, micronized vermiculite,
and water-dispersible granules.
l
The formulation is mixed in an aqueous suspension, and the
nematodes are released into the field through an application
equipment.
2.2 Gels [210]
The EPNs are homogeneously mixed with absorbent materials,
such as activated carbon powder, to form a cream, but this formulation has presented the drawbacks of high cost, unpleasant
handling, and low stability at room temperature.
2.3 Synthetic
Sponges [209]
The polyurethane sponge composition is competent to maintain a
suspension of 500–1000 IJs/cm
2 , roughly 5–25 million IJs per
sponge, which is then stored in a plastic container. The EPNs
formulated in sponges can live at 5–10
C for 1–3 months. For
their liberation, the sponges are dipped in a bowl of water. This
formulation is not applicable to mass production since it requires
refrigeration for packaging, the release of the EPNs is time consuming and labor intensive and generates great amounts of sponge
waste. This formulation is used only for storage and transport of
small amounts of EPNs for the biological control of pests in home
gardens.
2.4 Alginate
Capsules [211]
2.4.1 Materials Required
l
Sodium alginate: 2 g.
l
Calcium chloride: 100 mM.
l
Distilled water: 100 ml.
l
Glass syringe.
l
IJ suspension.
2.4.2 Procedure
1. Dissolve 2 g of sodium alginate in 100 ml of sterile distilled
water thorough blending for 10–15 min for the gel matrix
solution.
Formulation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
147
liquid forms, gels, and cadavers.
l
The additives are various substances with diverse functions, such
as absorbents, adsorbents, emulsifiers, surfactants, thickeners,
humectants, dispersants, antimicrobials, and UV-ray
protectors [209].
l
Successful storage under refrigeration conditions ranges from
1 to 7 months depending on the EPN species.
l
Temperatures as low as 2–5
C reduces their metabolic activity
and improves their shelf life [208].
l
Various entomopathogenic nematode formulations are gels,
synthetic sponges, alginate capsules, EPN-infected cadavers,
activated charcoal, clay, paste, peat, micronized vermiculite,
and water-dispersible granules.
l
The formulation is mixed in an aqueous suspension, and the
nematodes are released into the field through an application
equipment.
2.2 Gels [210]
The EPNs are homogeneously mixed with absorbent materials,
such as activated carbon powder, to form a cream, but this formulation has presented the drawbacks of high cost, unpleasant
handling, and low stability at room temperature.
2.3 Synthetic
Sponges [209]
The polyurethane sponge composition is competent to maintain a
suspension of 500–1000 IJs/cm
2 , roughly 5–25 million IJs per
sponge, which is then stored in a plastic container. The EPNs
formulated in sponges can live at 5–10
C for 1–3 months. For
their liberation, the sponges are dipped in a bowl of water. This
formulation is not applicable to mass production since it requires
refrigeration for packaging, the release of the EPNs is time consuming and labor intensive and generates great amounts of sponge
waste. This formulation is used only for storage and transport of
small amounts of EPNs for the biological control of pests in home
gardens.
2.4 Alginate
Capsules [211]
2.4.1 Materials Required
l
Sodium alginate: 2 g.
l
Calcium chloride: 100 mM.
l
Distilled water: 100 ml.
l
Glass syringe.
l
IJ suspension.
2.4.2 Procedure
1. Dissolve 2 g of sodium alginate in 100 ml of sterile distilled
water thorough blending for 10–15 min for the gel matrix
solution.
Formulation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes
147