Large scale production, storage and transport of the insect‐parasitic nematodes Neoaplectana spp. and Heterorhabditis spp.

SUMMARY A method for producing up to 2000 million infectives of Neoaplectana bibionis per container is described and is applicable to other species of Neoaplectana and Heterorhabditis spp. The nematodes were cultured within autoclavable plastic bags, on crumbed polyether polyurethane sponge coated with chicken offal homogenate that had been sterilised and inoculated with the primary form of the appropriate symbiotic bacterium (Xenorhabdus spp.). Procedures for extracting and cleaning the nematodes on a large scale are described. Nematodes were stored and transported on clean sponge in aerated polyethylene tubes. The techniques are suitable for industrial use with little further development.