Heterorhabditis species have unique ecological and behavioral attributes indicating that they are more suitable for controlling soil insect pests than Steinernema species. A major constraint of using Heterorhabditis species in fields is the lack of an economic culture system to produce large enough quantities for commercial application. Most studies have been focused on the production of Steinernema species. Only few studies have reported on the production of Heterorhabditis species in a solid culture system based on media comprised fresh animal o ,ffal. Two previously defined essential nutrients have not been evaluated in production of Heterorhabditis species. We propose to evaluate the feasibility of developing an economic production system for Heterorhabditis species. Two culture media based on dry ingredients will be used to produce two Heterorhabditis species in both solid and liquid monexenic culture systems. Baffled flasks will be used in liquid culture system to improve aeration and gas exchange needed for nematode growth. The two essential nutrients will be evaluated in selected optimum culture media and systems to determine their effects on increasing nematode production and shortening the culture cycle.Applications:Our proposal is designed for easy scaling up of the production system. Successful development of an economic culture system offers a practical procedure to produce large enough quantities of Heterorhabditis species for commercial application. It also greatly increases the likelihood of using Heterorhabditis species in biological control programs. Furthermore, successful development would provide more data on the nutrient requirements for nematode growth and determine whether or not different Heterorhabditis species require different media composition.
