Manufacturing of Granular Matrix with Diatomacious earth, Lime and Sugarcane Bagasse ash to Encapsulate Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Steinernema glaseri)

L.V Bustamante-Espinosa,A Casta�Eda-Ovando,V.G Jim�Nez-Quero,J Hern�Ndez-�Vila,M Reyes-P�Rez,P Montes-Garc�A

doi:10.3844/ajabssp.2020.8.22

Abstract

An alternative for pest control in corn production is the use of biopesticides formulated with entomopathogenic nematodes encapsulated in granular matrices. However, it has been observed that the granular matrices´ lack of resistance to handling and transport causes their deterioration, therefore limiting their use. This study analyzes the use of lime and sugarcane bagasse ash as stabilizer additives in granular matrices made of diatomite earth in order to improve the survival rate of Entomopathogenic Nematodes. Six formulations were prepared and evaluated at 3, 12, 21 and 30 days of age. A total of 192 granular matrices were produced, 144 for axial compressive strength testing and 48 for the estimation of the survival rate of the nematodes. In order to carry out the last test, Steinernema glaseri nematodes were encapsulated. The results indicate that the granular matrices made with the combination of 88% diatomaceous earth plus 6% lime and 6% sugarcane bagasse ash have adequate hardness (mechanical strength) for handling and transportation purposes; in addition, at 30 days of age the survival rate was the highest obtained when compared to the granular matrices of all tested formulations

Highlights

In Oaxaca, Mexico, corn has a fundamental role in the life of various communitiesculture, traditions, economy and survival; several biotic and abiotic factors cause significant loss in corn production
The results show that the mechanical encapsulation process doubles the time of survival of the nematodes reported for those manually processed (Girón, 2008)
The sum of major oxides is higher than 70%; the materials have pozzolanic potential (ASTM, 2012) and can react in an alkaline environment created by C (Malhotra and Ramezanianpour, 1994)

Summary

Introduction

In Oaxaca, Mexico, corn has a fundamental role in the life of various communitiesculture, traditions, economy and survival; several biotic and abiotic factors cause significant loss in corn production. Two of the main factors are soil infertility and insects, which together cause losses of approximately 20% (García-Lara and Bergvinson, 2007). The plague of Phyllophaga spp attacks the radicular system of corn causing problems with germination, death of seedlings, loss of roots, rachitic plants and gooseneck-shaped stems, resulting in the surviving plants being stunted and yellowish. There are different alternatives to minimize the damage to corn plants caused by pests. One alternative is integrated pest control, which takes into account chemical and biological control

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion