BENEFICIAL NEMATODES What Are Beneficial Nematodes? Beneficial Nematodes are live, microscopic organisms (non-segmented roundworms) that occur naturally in soil throughout the world. They are parasitic to insect pests that typically have a developing (larval or pupal) stage of life in the soil; however, they have been known to also parasitize above ground stages of adults, nymphs and larvae.
How Do Beneficial Nematodes Work? 1. Beneficial Nematodes are applied to soil where
they locate pests, enter through orifices or body walls and infect pests with toxic bacteria. Once inside, it is not the nematode that actually kills the pest, but bacteria inside the nematode.
2. The bacteria kills pests within 24 to 48 hours.
Beneficial Nematodes then feed on bacteria and host insect tissue. Adult stages of Beneficial Nematodes produce hundreds of thousands of new juveniles.
3. New infective juveniles emerge loaded with
“pest killer” bacteria and begin their search for a new host. As long as their is a suitable host, the Beneficial Nematodes will continue to parasitize.
Easily Apply Beneficial Nematodes With The Chameleon Adaptable Hose End Sprayer. See Page 48.
When & How Often Should Beneficial Nematodes Be Applied? Use nematodes whenever larvae or grubs are present. As pest larvae feed on plant roots beneath the soil surface, severe damage can be done before you realize you have a pest dilemma. If adult insects are present, their eggs, nymphs, larvae and pupa will soon be developing. FOR TREATMENT: Apply nematodes every 2 weeks until pest infestation subsides. FOR PREVENTION: Apply at least 2-4 times per year in the spring, summer, fall and winter as needed.
How Do I Apply Beneficial Nematodes? Since nematodes are alive and sensitive to light, apply them early in the morning or at dusk. It’s easy to apply nematodes. Before applying, make sure the soil is moist.
1. Simply mix ready-to-use Beneficial Nematodes with water. 2. Apply pre-dawn or at dusk with a hose end sprayer (See Chameleon
Sprayer on page 48), backpack sprayer, pump sprayer or watering can. Lightly water again after application.
3. Keep area moist for at least 2 weeks.
When Will I See Results? Beneficial Nematodes are considered to be one of the most lethal parasites known to kill plant pests. Depending upon the pest(s) you are treating and the method of application, it can take from 2-30 days for you to see results. It is important to remember that Beneficial Nematodes disintegrate pests from the inside out. You will not see dead insect bodies as you would with a chemical knockdown. Instead you will notice less of the pest(s) over time. Like all insects and organisms, some nematodes will survive the winter in a dormant state; however, we recommend re-applying at least 2-4 times on an annual basis to ensure that your pests do not get out of hand again.
NEMATODE VARIETY GUIDE – Choose Variety By Pest Pest Variety
Ants (Queen) Armyworm Artichoke Plume Moth Asparagus Beetle Bagworm Banana Moth Banana Weevil Beet Armyworm Berry Root Weevil Bill Bug Black Cutworm Black Vine Weevil Bluegrass Weevil Borers - Iris, Tree, Vine Cabbage Maggot Carrot Weevil Caterpillars
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Pest Variety
Chafer - European, masked s Citrus Root Weevil s Codling Moth ln Colorado Potato Beetle s Corn Earworm ln Corn Rootworm s Cotton Bollworm l Cranberry Girder l Cranberry Root Weevil s Cucumber Beetle lns Cutworm l Fall Armyworm l Flea Beetles s Fleas (Larvae, Pupae) l Fleas - Adult s Fly Larvae l Fruit Flies ln
Pest Variety
Fungus Gnats ns Gall Midges s Grape Root Borer s Grubs s Humpbacked Flies n Japanese Beetles s Large Pine Weevil l Leafminers ln May/June Beetles s Mint Flea Beetle l Mint Root Borer l Mole Crickets l Navel Orangeworm l Onion Maggots n Pill Worm n Raspberry Crown Borer n Roaches-American, Asian, German l
ARBICO Organics – Natural Solutions Since 1979
Pest Variety
Root Maggots Root Weevils Scarabs Sclarids Shore Flies Sugarcane Stalk Borer Strawberry Root Weevil Sweet Potato Weevil Thrips Ticks Tobacco Budworm Tobacco Cutworm Webworms Wireworm Wood Borers
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