Compositions for nematode growth and methods for using the same for nematode viability are described. The compositions contain a solid matrix material that is dispersed in a liquid medium. The solid matrix can be immersed, bathed, and/or interspersed in a liquid medium to form a composite culture that is capable of maintaining or growing nematodes at unexpectedly high densities and/or with nominal stress pathway activity. Other embodiments are described.
