1. An attract-and-infect biological pest control system (100), the system (100) comprising: a trap housing (102) configured to support and enclose internal components of the system (100); a chamber (104) positioned within the trap housing (102) and configured to provide a light-restricted environment for attracting and retaining target insects; a plurality of entry ports (106) formed in the trap housing (102) and configured to permit selective entry of target insect species; a cartridge receiving portion (108) disposed within the chamber (104) and configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge; a nematode delivery substrate (110) positioned within the chamber (104) and configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes and facilitate contact between the nematodes and the target insects; a chemical attractant unit (112) configured to attract the target insects into the chamber (104); and an internal microclimate regulation unit (114) configured to maintain humidity and environmental conditions within the chamber (104) sufficient to preserve nematode viability.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of entry ports (106) are selected from funnels, slits, and grates.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge receiving portion (108) configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge containing freeze-dried nematodes, hydration-activated nematode, and shelf-stable biological consortia.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) comprises a moist gel pad (116), an absorbent membrane (118), a microbead mat (120), and a UV-shielded layer (122).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) contains infective juveniles in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per cartridge.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes selected from the genera steinernema and heterorhabditis.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chemical attractant unit (112) comprises at least one semi-chemical selected from the group consisting of pheromones, food-derived volatiles, carbon dioxide sources, kairomones, and environmental habitat cues.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal microclimate regulation unit (114) configured to maintain relative humidity above 70% within the chamber (104).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal microclimate regulation unit (114) comprises moisture-retaining reservoirs, airflow restrictors, thermal buffering materials, and an electronic humidity control unit.

10. A method (200) for attract-and-infect biological pest control, the method (200) comprising: deploying an attract-and-infect biological pest control system (100) in a target environment; attracting target insects into the chamber (104) of the system (100) using the chemical attractant unit (112); maintaining a humidity-controlled microenvironment within the chamber (104) to preserve viability of entomopathogenic nematodes; exposing the attracted target insects to the nematode delivery substrate (110) containing viable entomopathogenic nematodes; and infecting the target insects with the entomopathogenic nematodes upon contact within the chamber (104).

Description:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pest management systems and biological control technologies, more specifically, relates to an attract-and-infect biological pest control system.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Insect pests that inhabit soil, bore into plant tissues, or remain concealed within crop environments represent a significant challenge to agricultural productivity worldwide. Larval stages of moths, beetles, and other insects cause extensive damage to roots, stems, fruits, and stored commodities, often going undetected until economic loss has already occurred. Effective management of such pests requires control measures capable of reaching insects in protected or subterranean habitats while minimizing environmental impact and preserving beneficial organisms.
[0003] Traditional pest control approaches rely heavily on synthetic chemical insecticides applied through broadcast spraying, soil drenches, or bait formulations. Although these methods may provide rapid suppression, they often suffer from drawbacks including non-target toxicity, environmental contamination, resistance development, and regulatory restrictions. Biological control agents, including entomopathogenic organisms, have been introduced as environmentally safer alternatives however, conventional application methods typically involve wide-area dispersal, resulting in reduced target specificity, inconsistent performance under adverse environmental conditions, and inefficient use of biological materials. Similarly, insect trapping systems used in agricultural settings are primarily designed for monitoring or mass capture and generally lack mechanisms for delivering biological mortality agents in a controlled environment. In many instances, the effectiveness of biological agents is highly dependent on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet exposure, and soil composition. Desiccation, heat stress, and uneven distribution significantly reduces viability and persistence after application. Moreover, broadcast techniques frequently require repeated treatments to maintain efficacy, thereby increasing operational costs and labour demands. Insects that occupy cryptic habitats, including subsurface zones or protected plant structures, may evade contact with applied agents, further diminishing control outcomes. Conventional bait stations and lure-based traps, while capable of attracting specific pest species through chemical cues, generally function solely as monitoring tools or rely on chemical toxicants for lethality. These systems do not provide a protected microenvironment optimized for sustaining living biological agents, nor do they concentrate pest biocontrol interactions within a confined space to enhance infection efficiency. As a result, there remains a persistent gap between environmentally sustainable biological control strategies and targeted, high-efficiency delivery mechanisms suitable for diverse agricultural and managed ecosystems.
[0004] The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing an improved pest management approach that enhances interaction between target insects and biological control agents within a protected environment. Such a solution would ideally increase control efficiency, reduce wastage of biological inputs, and provide sustained effectiveness across diverse environmental conditions. The development of a targeted platform capable of attracting pests and facilitating controlled biological suppression would address the limitations associated with both broadcast biological applications and conventional trapping systems.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0006] According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on an attract-and-infect biological pest control system which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the users with a useful or commercial choice.
[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to create an attract-and-infect biological pest control system that enhances the effectiveness of biological control agents against soil-dwelling and cryptic insect pests.
[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to design a system that increases the probability of interaction between target insect pests and biological control agents within a confined and protected environment.
[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to introduce a system that reduces wastage of biological materials associated with conventional wide-area application methods.
[0010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to create a system that provides a targeted pest management approach to minimize non-target impact and reduces reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides.
[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to design a system that maintains favourable environmental conditions to support viability and activity of biological control agents for extended durations.
[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to introduce a system that provides a pest control platform to operate effectively under diverse environmental conditions.
[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to create a system that allows convenient renewal of active biological components without replacing the entire unit.
[0014] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to introduce a system that supports integration with existing integrated pest management programs and sustainable agricultural practices.
[0015] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an attract-and-infect biological pest control system is disclosed herein. The system comprises a trap housing configured to support and enclose internal components of the system. The system includes a chamber positioned within the trap housing and configured to provide a light-restricted environment for attracting and retaining target insects. The system further includes a plurality of entry ports formed in the trap housing and configured to permit selective entry of target insect species. The system also includes a cartridge receiving portion disposed within the chamber and configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge. Furthermore, the system includes a nematode delivery substrate positioned within the chamber and configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes and facilitate contact between the nematodes and the target insects. Moreover, the system includes a chemical attractant unit configured to attract the target insects into the chamber. The system further includes an internal microclimate regulation unit configured to maintain humidity and environmental conditions within the chamber sufficient to preserve nematode viability.
[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of entry ports are selected from funnels, slits, and grates.
[0017] In one embodiment, the cartridge receiving portion configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge containing freeze-dried nematodes, hydration-activated nematode and shelf-stable biological consortia.
[0018] In one embodiment, the nematode delivery substrate comprises a moist gel pad, an absorbent membrane, a microbead mat, and a UV-shielded layer.
[0019] In one embodiment, the nematode delivery substrate contains infective juveniles in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per cartridge.
[0020] In one embodiment, the nematode delivery substrate configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes selected from the genera steinernema and heterorhabditis.
[0021] In one embodiment, the chemical attractant unit comprises at least one semi-chemical selected from the group consisting of pheromones, food-derived volatiles, carbon dioxide sources, kairomones, and environmental habitat cues.
[0022] In one embodiment, the internal microclimate regulation unit configured to maintain relative humidity above 70% within the chamber.
[0023] In one embodiment, the internal microclimate regulation unit comprises moisture-retaining reservoirs, airflow restrictors, thermal buffering materials, and an electronic humidity control unit.
[0024] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for attract-and-infect biological pest control is disclosed herein. The method comprises deploying an attract-and-infect biological pest control system in a target environment. The method includes attracting target insects into the chamber of the system using the chemical attractant unit. The method further includes maintaining a humidity-controlled microenvironment within the chamber to preserve viability of entomopathogenic nematodes. The method also includes exposing the attracted target insects to the nematode delivery substrate containing viable entomopathogenic nematodes. Furthermore, the method includes infecting the target insects with the entomopathogenic nematodes upon contact within the chamber.
[0025] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an attract-and-infect biological pest control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method, outlining the sequential steps for the attract-and-infect biological pest control, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[0031] The attract-and-infect biological pest control system is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0033] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0034] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term is used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0035] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0036] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an attract-and-infect biological pest control system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] The system 100 may include a trap housing 102. The system 100 may include a chamber 104. The system 100 may include a plurality of entry ports 106. The system 100 may include a nematode delivery substrate 110. The system 100 may include a chemical attractant unit 112. The system 100 may include an internal microclimate regulation unit 114.
[0039] The trap housing 102 configured to support and enclose internal components of the system 100. The trap housing 102 forms a protective structural enclosure designed to maintain operational stability of the attract-and-infect biological pest control system 100.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trap housing 102 is fabricated from durable and weather-resistant materials selected from polymeric materials, biodegradable composites, and corrosion-resistant plastics, thereby enabling prolonged deployment of the system 100 in outdoor agricultural environments.
[0041] The chamber 104 positioned within the trap housing 102 and configured to provide a light-restricted environment for attracting and retaining target insects. The chamber 104 functions as an internal containment region in which attracted insects are temporarily confined after entering through the insect entry openings provided in the trap housing 102.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 104 comprises interior surfaces and structural guides configured to direct movement of the target insects toward the nematode delivery substrate 110 positioned within the chamber 104, thereby increasing the probability of contact between the insects and viable entomopathogenic nematodes.
[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 104 maintains a microenvironment suitable for sustaining the biological viability of the entomopathogenic nematodes, wherein the chamber 104 cooperates with a humidity regulation unit to maintain an elevated moisture level required for nematode survival and infectivity.
[0044] The plurality of entry ports 106 formed in the trap housing 102 and configured to permit selective entry of target insect species. The plurality of entry ports 106 are strategically positioned on the trap housing 102 to guide insects toward the internal chamber 104 while minimizing obstruction to insect movement.
[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of entry ports 106 are selected from funnels, slits, and grates.
[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of entry ports 106 are further dimensioned and shaped to selectively allow entry of target insect species while restricting access by larger non-target organisms, thereby improving the selectivity and effectiveness of the pest control system 100.
[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of entry ports 106 may further include internal directional pathways configured to lead the insects from the external environment toward the chamber 104 and subsequently toward the nematode delivery substrate 110 positioned within the chamber 104, thereby facilitating effective biological infection of the insects after entry into the system 100.
[0048] The cartridge receiving portion 108 disposed within the chamber 104 and configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge. The cartridge receiving portion 108 is positioned within the chamber 104 in a manner that allows proper placement and stabilization of the removable cartridge so that the biological agents contained therein remain properly oriented relative to the internal components of the system 100.
[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge receiving portion 108 configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge containing freeze-dried nematodes, hydration-activated nematode, and shelf-stable biological consortia.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the removable nematode-loaded cartridge is configured to securely fit within the cartridge receiving portion 108 and may be replaceable to allow periodic replenishment of biological agents without requiring replacement of the entire system 100.
[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge receiving portion 108 may be positioned adjacent to the nematode delivery substrate 110 so that activated nematodes are dispersed toward the infection zone where target insects come into contact with the biological agents.
[0052] The nematode delivery substrate 110 positioned within the chamber 104 and configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes and facilitate contact between the nematodes and the target insects.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nematode delivery substrate 110 comprises a moist gel pad 116, an absorbent membrane 118, a microbead mat 120, and a UV-shielded layer 122.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nematode delivery substrate 110 contains infective juveniles in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per cartridge.
[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nematode delivery substrate 110 configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes selected from the genera steinernema and heterorhabditis.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nematode delivery substrate 110 maintains moisture and environmental conditions required for nematode survival by utilizing moisture-retaining materials that reduce desiccation and protect the biological agents from unfavourable external environmental conditions.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nematode delivery substrate 110 gradually release active nematodes into the infection zone within the chamber 104, allowing sustained biological activity and extended operational duration of the system 100.
[0058] The chemical attractant unit 112 configured to attract the target insects into the chamber 104. The chemical attractant unit 112 configured to gradually release the semi-chemical attractants into the surrounding environment to guide the target insects toward the trap housing 102 and the plurality of entry ports 106.
[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical attractant unit 112 comprises at least one semi-chemical selected from the group consisting of pheromones, food-derived volatiles, carbon dioxide sources, kairomones, and environmental habitat cues.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the semi-chemical attractants mimic natural signals used by insects to locate food sources, hosts, mating partners, and sheltering environments, thereby increasing the likelihood of insect entry into the chamber 104.
[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the chemical attractant unit 112 is replaceable to allow replenishment of attractant materials during long-term deployment of the system 100.
[0062] The internal microclimate regulation unit 114 configured to maintain humidity and environmental conditions within the chamber 104 sufficient to preserve nematode viability.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal microclimate regulation unit 114 configured to maintain relative humidity above 70% within the chamber 104.
[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal microclimate regulation unit 114 comprises moisture-retaining reservoirs, airflow restrictors, thermal buffering materials, and an electronic humidity control unit.
[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal microclimate regulation unit 114 cooperates with the nematode delivery substrate 110 to maintain a stable microenvironment that enhances nematode longevity and improves the probability of successful infection of the target insects.
[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method 200, outlining the sequential steps for the attract-and-infect biological pest control, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0067] At step 202, the attract-and-infect biological pest control system 100 is deployed in a target environment.
[0068] At step 204, the target insects are attracted into the chamber 104 of the system 100 using the chemical attractant unit 112.
[0069] At step 206, the humidity-controlled microenvironment is maintained within the chamber 104 to preserve viability of entomopathogenic nematodes.
[0070] At step 208, the attracted target insects are exposed to the nematode delivery substrate 110 containing viable entomopathogenic nematodes.
[0071] At step 210, the target insects with the entomopathogenic nematodes upon contact is infected within the chamber 104.
[0072] In the best mode of operation of the present invention, the system 100 is deployed in an agricultural field, orchard, greenhouse, turf area, and any pest-infested environment where soil-dwelling insect pests are present. The system 100 comprises the trap housing 102 that encloses and protects the internal functional components of the pest control station. The trap housing 102 contains the chamber 104 designed to provide a dark and light-restricted environment that simulates natural insect hiding locations such as soil cavities, burrows, and sheltered habitats. This environment encourages target insects to enter and remain within the chamber 104. The plurality of entry ports 106 are formed in the trap housing 102 to allow selective entry of target insect species. The plurality of entry ports 106 may include structures such as funnels, slits, and grates that guide insects into the chamber 104 while limiting access by larger non-target organisms. The chemical attractant unit 112 is integrated within the system 100 to attract insects toward the trap housing 102. The chemical attractant unit 112 may release semi-chemicals such as pheromones, food-derived volatiles, carbon dioxide sources, kairomones, and environmental habitat cues that mimic natural signals used by insects to locate food, hosts, and suitable habitats. These attractants guide the target insects toward the plurality of entry ports 106. Within the chamber 104, the cartridge receiving portion 108 accommodates a removable nematode-loaded cartridge containing entomopathogenic nematodes. The cartridge receiving portion 108 may contain freeze-dried nematodes, hydration-activated nematode formulations, and shelf-stable biological consortia designed for long-term storage and gradual activation. The nematode delivery substrate 110 is positioned within the chamber 104 and forms the primary infection zone. The substrate may include a moist gel pad 116, an absorbent membrane 118, a microbead mat 120, and a UV-shielded layer 122. These components collectively maintain moisture, distribute nematodes evenly, and increase the probability of contact between the nematodes and the insects entering the chamber 104. The nematode delivery substrate 110 preferably contains infective juvenile nematodes in a density ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per cartridge including species from the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. The internal microclimate regulation unit 114 maintains environmental conditions within the chamber 104 that are suitable for nematode survival and activity. The microclimate regulation unit 114 may include moisture-retaining reservoirs, airflow restrictors to reduce desiccation, thermal buffering materials, and an electronic humidity control unit. The system 100 maintains a relative humidity level above 70% to preserve nematode viability for extended periods. During operation, target insects are attracted to the trap housing 102 by the chemical attractant unit 112 and enter the chamber 104 through the plurality of entry ports 106. Once inside the chamber 104, the insects encounter the nematode delivery substrate 110. The entomopathogenic nematodes infect the insects by entering the insect body through natural openings in the cuticle. Following infection, the nematodes release symbiotic bacteria that cause rapid mortality of the host insect. The infected insects may die within the chamber 104 before succumbing to infection, thereby contributing to suppression of the pest population. The controlled microenvironment within the chamber 104 ensures that nematodes remain viable and active for an extended duration, allowing the system 100 to provide continuous pest control without repeated application. By combining chemical attraction with localized biological infection, the system 100 significantly increases pest-nematode encounter rates while minimizing nematode wastage and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
[0073] The system 100 provides a targeted biological pest management approach by concentrating pest-nematode interactions within a confined chamber. By attracting insects using semi-chemical lures, the system 100 increases the likelihood of contact between target pests and entomopathogenic nematodes, thereby improving infection efficiency compared to conventional broadcast application methods. The system 100 utilizes the nematode delivery substrate 110 that maintains nematode viability while minimizing wastage of biological agents. The system also reduces reliance on chemical insecticides by employing a biological infection mechanism that minimizes non-target impacts and chemical residues. Additionally, the invention enables passive pest suppression without the need for spraying or soil drenching, making it suitable for agricultural, horticultural, and integrated pest management applications.
[0074] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0075] A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof.
[0076] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0077] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An attract-and-infect biological pest control system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a trap housing (102) configured to support and enclose internal components of the system (100);
a chamber (104) positioned within the trap housing (102) and configured to provide a light-restricted environment for attracting and retaining target insects;
a plurality of entry ports (106) formed in the trap housing (102) and configured to permit selective entry of target insect species;
a cartridge receiving portion (108) disposed within the chamber (104) and configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge;
a nematode delivery substrate (110) positioned within the chamber (104) and configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes and facilitate contact between the nematodes and the target insects;
a chemical attractant unit (112) configured to attract the target insects into the chamber (104); and
an internal microclimate regulation unit (114) configured to maintain humidity and environmental conditions within the chamber (104) sufficient to preserve nematode viability.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of entry ports (106) are selected from funnels, slits, and grates.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge receiving portion (108) configured to receive a removable nematode-loaded cartridge containing freeze-dried nematodes, hydration-activated nematode, and shelf-stable biological consortia.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) comprises a moist gel pad (116), an absorbent membrane (118), a microbead mat (120), and a UV-shielded layer (122).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) contains infective juveniles in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 per cartridge.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nematode delivery substrate (110) configured to retain viable entomopathogenic nematodes selected from the genera steinernema and heterorhabditis.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chemical attractant unit (112) comprises at least one semi-chemical selected from the group consisting of pheromones, food-derived volatiles, carbon dioxide sources, kairomones, and environmental habitat cues.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal microclimate regulation unit (114) configured to maintain relative humidity above 70% within the chamber (104).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal microclimate regulation unit (114) comprises moisture-retaining reservoirs, airflow restrictors, thermal buffering materials, and an electronic humidity control unit.
10. A method (200) for attract-and-infect biological pest control, the method (200) comprising:
deploying an attract-and-infect biological pest control system (100) in a target environment;
attracting target insects into the chamber (104) of the system (100) using the chemical attractant unit (112);
maintaining a humidity-controlled microenvironment within the chamber (104) to preserve viability of entomopathogenic nematodes;
exposing the attracted target insects to the nematode delivery substrate (110) containing viable entomopathogenic nematodes; and
infecting the target insects with the entomopathogenic nematodes upon contact within the chamber (104).