Optimizing entomopathogenic nematode adaptation to agroecosystems in Egypt

Accelerated concern over chemical pesticides has sparked interests in biopesticides. Insecticidal nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) are viable example of biopesticides especially against subterranean pests. American and Egyptian teams have had a long collaboration to advance their application. They have conceptualized a simple system appropriate for a localized biopesticide industry. A small prototype harvester and separator have been built in the U.S. and Egypt for in vivo production of these nematodes. Progress has already been made in inoculation and harvest techniques and post-harvest cleaning. The entire production process has 5 steps: (A) infection (B) incubation (C) harvest (D) separation and (E) Clean up. Each step has specific requirements, which must be optimized separately to ensure adaptation. All related parameters are being optimized for the prototype in Egypt as a cottage industry of low volume producers. For scaling up, harvester's dimensions and harvesting parameters require optimization for each specific host/nematode system. For further optimization, functional sampling should be followed to get high recovery frequency value of the nematodes from a crop having the targeted pest. It uses favorable sampling method, time and site and multiple nematode-extraction technique. Local nematode production can eliminate or reduce transport, packaging, formulation and storage costs while providing fresh, locally adapted and effective strains. It suits regions which lack the capital and expertise to develop a biopesticide production industry.