Precision application of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as a biological control agent through the Nemabot

• Published in: Crop protection 2023-12, Vol.174, p.106429, Article 106429
• Main Authors: Erdoğan, Hilal, Ünal, Halil, Susurluk, İ. Alper, Lewis, Edwin E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological control; Entomopathogenic nematodes; Nemabot; Precision agriculture
• ISSN: 0261-2194; 1873-6904
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106429

One of the most important development trends of robots in agriculture is to enable highly precise applications that minimize amounts of chemical components that are harmful to the environment. Precision agriculture is fundamental and inevitable worldwide because it provides more yield to an increasing population, while at the same time reducing inputs. The purpose of this study was to apply entomopathogenic nematodes, which are insect parasites used as biological control agents, through Nemabot. A robotic system that can move in the X-Y-Z coordinate plane has an agitating mechanism for suspension based on water and entomopathogenic nematodes and can perform precise dosing with a peristaltic pump designed and produced as a prototype. The experimental results of the robot application on the exact point, volume, amount, and uniformity of dosing show that the proposed method can effectively solve the problem of applying entomopathogenic nematodes, which are economically more expensive than pesticides. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of a method to solve the problem of applying the agents precisely. This is the first experiment in which biological control products were applied using a robotic system. A patent application (PCT/TR2019/050768) was made, and the patentability claims were approved and officially registered (TR2018 14310B). •Emphasizing the importance of robotics in agriculture for precise, eco-friendly applications.•Presenting ‘Nemabot,’ a robot for precise entomopathogenic nematode application in biocontrol.•Suggesting efficient use of cost-effective EPNs as a sustainable alternative to pesticides in agriculture.•The article marks a significant advancement in using robotic systems for biological control products.