Population growth kinetics of the nematode, Steinernema feltiae, in submerged monoxenic culture

Monoxenic cultures of the nematode, Steinernema feltiae, were carried out o n two complex liquid media: P1, mainly soybean flour/egg yolk/yeast extract , and P2, mainly egg yolk/yeast extract. Up to 140 000-200 000 nematodes ml (-1) were produced within 7 days, and more than 95% of the final population was in the infective juvenile stage. The total nematode concentration grow th curve had a sigmoidal shape. Nematode population growth kinetics were mo delled using a re-parameterised Gompertz model. Yeast extract concentration appeared to be a key factor for obtaining high nematode concentrations.