Organic Farming Research at Eternal University is powering Biocontrol with Tiny Nematodes

The Silent Crisis in Our Fields

Agriculture feeds the world, yet our fields are silently battling a growing enemy — insect pests. To fight them, farmers often turn to chemical insecticides, which poison not just the pests, but also the soil, water, and our health.

But what if nature itself had the perfect solution? At Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, scientists have uncovered a natural ally — entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) — that’s revolutionizing organic farming.

Isolating and testing the EPNs

EPNs were isolated from the soil of fruit orchards from various districts of Himachal Pradesh. Bio-formulations were prepared in the form of sponge stock as a liquid formulation. Various bioassay studies were performed in the laboratory to instigate the insecticidal potential of these isolated EPNs.

After getting the successful results under the laboratory bioassay studies, these EPNs were then applied against the lepidopteran insect pests under protected cultivation. Application of these EPNs has been found as an excellent approach in the field of sustainability. The EPNs are highly virulent, easy for application, safe for non-target animals and are the best alternative in comparison to harmful chemical insecticides. Under the protected cultivation sponge stock formulation of EPNs were applied against the insect pests of cabbage and broccoli. These EPNs were proved as a brilliant source of biocontrol agents than harmful chemical insecticides, in managing the insect pest’s population. The produce thus recovered was organic and is free from chemical residue. Even studies were going on in the Department to evaluate the insecticidal potential of these biocontrol agents in the open field also. The application of nematode based formulations will become a boon to the local farmers of this region, for the management of wide range of insect pests.

From Lab to Field – Proven and Powerful

After rigorous lab tests, these native nematodes proved to be deadly to lepidopteran insect pests. The next step? Trying them out on real crops — and the results were nothing short of amazing.

Under protected cultivation, farmers applied the EPNs to cabbage and broccoli crops. Here’s what they discovered:
✅ Highly effective in killing pests
✅ Gentle on beneficial insects and animals
✅ Easy to apply
✅ A clean alternative to toxic pesticides

A Game-Changer for Farmers

For local farmers, these nematode-based formulations are nothing less than a boon. They offer:

• Sustainable pest management
• Higher-quality organic produce
• Reduced dependency on expensive chemicals
• Better soil and ecosystem health

Nature Knows Best

This groundbreaking research by Eternal University shows how embracing nature’s solutions can make agriculture more sustainable, profitable, and safe for everyone. These tiny nematodes are proving that big changes often come in the smallest packages.

Let’s say goodbye to chemicals and hello to nature — because the future of farming is green, clean, and crawling with heroes!