Plant Protection Science (2017) 53, 15-24

Heriberto Cruz-Martínez, Jaime Ruiz-Vega, Pastor T. Matadamas-Ortíz, Carlos I. Cortés-Martínez and Jesusita Rosas-Diaz (2017)
Formulation of entomopathogenic nematodes for crop pest control: a review
Plant Protection Science 53 (1), 15-24
Abstract: The different materials and methods used to develop biopesticides with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) still limit the quality of the final product, reducing field efficacy and complicating application strategies. Therefore, the objective of this review is to identify priority areas to improve the EPN formulation process based on the scientific and technological research developed so far. The results show great progress in the EPN survival time, from 7 days to 180 days, through two types of formulations: water dispersible granules and calcium alginate capsules. Also, EPNs formulated and applied as insect cadavers showed higher efficacy for the pest control than the EPNs applied in an aqueous solution. We consider that the priority areas of research are: automated massive formulation and exploration of new additives with better properties that may lead to increase the infectivity in the field. It is concluded that the study of these aspects requires a systemic approach with greater involvement of the invertebrate physiology and systems modelling disciplines.
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
formulation/storage of bioagents

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Steinernema carpocapsae/Xenorhabdus nematophila (entomopathogen)
Steinernema feltiae/Xenorhabdus bovienii (entomopathogen)
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora/Photorhabdus (entomopathogen)