Pre-feasibility Study Establishment of Galleria Farm for Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) Bio-Insecticides.

Abstract

The development of indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in vivo is a point of concern for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), smaller family farms, greenhouse cultivation, or even a cottage industry. Although EPN research studies in Egypt aim to the identification and usage of highly potent and effective indigenous strains against economically significant insect pests, no companies have yet been established for the development and sale of these plant protection products except for small special units affiliated with some research institutes and universities. On increasing demand for non-chemical forms of pest control and the high price product of EPNs, this research assessed the financial feasibility of Galleria mellonella farming for in vivo production of EPNs at small and medium scales. The main finding indicated that the cost production of indigenous EPNs (one Sachest containing 5 x 10 7 IJs) is 200 LE which is considered a low-price product in comparison to the price of products which is variable from about US$ 15 to US$ 160 per sales unit. Moreover, the capital recovery period after one year is 99.7 %.