Formulation of entomopathogenic nematoes and promotion of the use of these agents for biological control of pests

• Grant number: 08/06364-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2009
• End date: April 30, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Martins Tavares
• Grantee: Fernando Martins Tavares
• Associated researchers: Antonio Batista Filho ; José Eduardo Marcondes de Almeida ; Luís Garrigós Leite

Abstract

Currently, entomopathogenic nematodes occupy the second largest segment of the bioinsecticide market in the developed countries, being used against a broad spectrum of insect pests. In Latin America, there is no company producing nematodes by the in vitro process, in a way so the company can explore the real potential market for the using of these agents. The Instituto Biológico, in a partnership with the Bio Controle Company, has studied entomopathogenic nematodes with some of the main purposes to develop a method for the nematode mass production by the sponge process and to evaluate potential market as bio-insecticide in Brazil by the provision of these agents for field trials. Among the trials, the most advanced ones has already shown the efficiency and viability of use of Steinernema puertoricenses and Heterorhabditis indica against, respectively, the sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis, and the fungus gnat, Bradysia sp., pest of nursery plants. Meanwhile, though these advances in the studies with nematodes, some steps related to the mass production process needs to be improved with the purpose to makes possible the industrial production and, at the same time, to encourage the use of these agents. Considering these needs, this project has the following objectives: 1) To develop a practical method for extraction of nematodes from the sponge so the nematode can be formulated; 2) To develop a formulation of EPNs that allows its storage by at least one month in shelf conditions; 3) To confirm the possibility of transport and shipment by post office, as well as storage in shelf conditions, of nematodes formulated and packed in bags with filters; 4) To provide nematodes for use in the integrated pest management. With these studies, it is hoped to make possible the industrial production of nematodes and, at the same time, to foment the use of these agents.Currently, entomopathogenic nematodes occupy the second largest segment of the bioinsecticide market in the developed countries, being used against a broad spectrum of insect pests. In Latin America, there is no company producing nematodes by the in vitro process, in a way so the company can explore the real potential market for the using of these agents. The Instituto Biológico, in a partnership with the Bio Controle Company, has studied entomopathogenic nematodes with some of the main purposes to develop a method for the nematode mass production by the sponge process and to evaluate potential market as bio-insecticide in Brazil by the provision of these agents for field trials. Among the trials, the most advanced ones has already shown the efficiency and viability of use of Steinernema puertoricenses and Heterorhabditis indica against, respectively, the sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis, and the fungus gnat, Bradysia sp., pest of nursery plants. Meanwhile, though these advances in the studies with nematodes, some steps related to the mass production process needs to be improved with the purpose to makes possible the industrial production and, at the same time, to encourage the use of these agents. Considering these needs, this project has the following objectives: 1) To develop a practical method for extraction of nematodes from the sponge so the nematode can be formulated; 2) To develop a formulation of EPNs that allows its storage by at least one month in shelf conditions; 3) To confirm the possibility of transport and shipment by post office, as well as storage in shelf conditions, of nematodes formulated and packed in bags with filters; 4) To provide nematodes for use in the integrated pest management. With these studies, it is hoped to make possible the industrial production of nematodes and, at the same time, to foment the use of these agents. (AU)