Root-feeding insect larvae can noticeably affect your bottom line. From creating root wounds susceptible to disease entry to reducing the water and nutrient uptake ability of the root system, these pests can set your crops back quickly.
Fungus gnats are one of the most common culprits. Fungus gnat larvae can quickly build up damaging populations in the root
systems of your plugs and other potted crops.  |
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Black Vine Weevil larvae
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Outdoor nursery growers face losses in crops
susceptible to attack from weevils (including black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and other plant-boring larvae such as caterpillars.
Fear Not!
There is a proven effective, non-chemical response to these intrusions.
Beneficial nematodes Steinernema feltiae provide excellent control of fungus gnats when applied proactively, while the nematode
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is effective in controlling losses due to plant-boring larvae.
How do they work?
These beneficial nematodes, once applied to the potting medium or soil, actively seek out insect larvae. They enter the insect through natural body openings or through the exoskeleton, then release a bacterium that kills the larvae within 24 to 48 hours. Eggs are laid, which hatch to produce a new generation of nematodes that search out the next insect victims. The life cycle is illustrated as follows:
Pests don't develop resistance to nematodes. Repeated use of beneficial nematodes has not produced resistance among targeted insects. That makes them an enduring and truly integrated solution for pest control. Beneficial nematodes are versatile in that they are effective against many species of insects and can protect many varieties of commercial crops and plants.
These beneficial nematodes are also compatible with many pesticides, and can be applied with a sprayer or through an injector. They are safe around plants and people. Because they are classified as macro-organisms, no EPA regulatory warnings or restrictions are imposed upon their use.
