Evaluation of methodology and techniques for the industrial production of entomopathogenic nematodes and study of market for commercialization of these agents

• Grant number: 03/02137-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2003
• End date: July 31, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Carmen María Ambrós Ginarte
• Grantee: Carmen María Ambrós Ginarte

Abstract

Despite the large existing market, there is still no company in Latin America producing entomopathogenic nematodes. In view of the results obtained in the project “Entomopathogenic nematodes: mass production and potential for use in the control of pests”, financed by FAPESP and coordinated by the Biological Institute, the intention is to commence industrial production of these organisms (Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinemema sp.), with a view to commercializing them for use in the control of various insects and pests. The objectives of the present project are: 1) to compare the yield of Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinemema sp. produced by the sponge and fermentation processes; 2) to develop and evaluate formulations of entomopathogenic nematodes; 3) to produce the nematodes on a semi-industrial scale; 4) to confirm the efficiency of the nematodes produced in vitro against some insect pests; and 5) study the market for the use of entomopathogenic nematodes. In the studies undertaken in the first phase of this project, the real and the potential markets for the use of these nematodes were evaluated as well as the difficulties and the requirements to establish in the second phase, a biofactory for these agents, with a large part of the problems associated with mass production now solved. The establishment of a biofactory for entomopathogenic nematodes will be of great importance for the advance in the handling of pests in Brazil, with the reduction in the use of chemical insecticides and all the other resultant advantages. (AU)