Abstract—Steinernema carpocapsae is a microscopic entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) that may be used as an alternative to chemical pesticide. This species creates a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila. This biological control agent has many advantages compared to chemical pesticides as it does not harm either the environment or humans. Steinernema carpocapsae is a vector for the bacteria to infect the targeted insect pest. The bacteria kills the host within 24-48 hours. This paper focuses on the mass production of beneficial nematodes using solid state fermentation. The purpose of the experiment was to find the optimum conditions to mass produce the nematode efficiently. Maximizing yield with the minimalized nutrients will increase the cost efficiency of production, making it a more affordable attractive alternative to harmful chemical pesticides. 
 

Index Terms—beneficial nematode, solid state fermentation, Steinernema carpocapsae, Xenorhabdus nematophila

Cite: Ashraf Alsaidi, Jeison Valencia, Devang Upadhyay, Sivanadane Mandjiny, Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, Jeff Frederick, and Leonard Holmes, "Mass Production of the Beneficial Nematode Steinernema carpocapsae Using Solid State Fermentation," Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 276-280, December 2018. Doi: 10.18178/joaat.5.4.276-280