BENEFICIAL NEMATODES

The main beneficial nematodes are Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. If you have these two handy to spread on your property then most of the harmful insects will be taken care of. However, there are others that seem to specialize as to insects they iradicate. Although there is a right beneficial nematode for that varmit you want out of your lawn and garden there is not a way right now to get them all commerically. Here are the others listed and their main dish. Control crop-deforming root-knot nematodes with Beneficial Sf Nematodes.Click here. STEINERNEMA- will sit and wait for their meal. Steinernema carpocapsae--probably the most important of the beneficial nematodes. Easy to reproduce and last for months in proper storage. Steinernema feltiae: Attacks primarily mushroom flies, fungus gnats, and tipulids. This nematode is unique in maintaining infectivity at soil temperatures below 10°C. S. feltiae offers lower stability than other steinernematids. Steinernema glaseri: The largest beneficial nematode at twice the length but eight times the volume of S. carpocapsae infective juveniles. Attacks scarabs. This species can provide control of several scarab species. The large size, however, reduces yield, making this species more expensive to produce than other species. Steinernema kushidai: From Japan and only known to parasitize scarab larvae. Still in development and have been highly promising then it too can be mass produced and commercialized. Steinernema riobravis: Isolated to date only from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, possesses several features. It is effective across multiple insect orders. This beneficial nematode is effective against corn earworm and mole crickets. Works well under arid conditions and on one occasion in treated annually for control of citrus root weevil with impressive results. Steinernema scapterisci: From Uruguay and used in the USA to suppress adult mole crickets. Commercially available since 1993, this nematode is also sold as a biological insecticide. HETERORHABDITIDS- do well against soil pests that are not as mobile because these beneficial nematodes actively search for hosts deeper in the soil profile. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora: Among the most important nematodes, H. bacteriophora attack insect larvae especially root weevils. Is less effective in cooler temperatures so use above 20 degrees C. Heterorhabditis megidis: This large beneficial nematode is marketed in western Europe for control of black vine weevil and various other soil insects. When to apply and how: Most important is timing. Find a reputable supplier Know when the varmit insect is present in or on the soil Two applications may be necessary Keep beneficial nematodes stored properly until use Apply as soon as possible after purchase. They need moisture for movement in the soil so water before and after application. Apply in early evening or early morning as high temperatures kill the nematodes. Best in soil that is between 60-90 degrees F. Apply with watering cans, sprayers or pump sprayers. Beneficial nematodes are safe for plants and animals (worms, birds, pets, children). With organic fertilizers you need no special precautions but with inorganic fertilizers there are-so check label. Use S. carpocapsae on: Artichokes for Artichoke plume moth Cranberries for Cranberry Root weevils Cranberries for Cranberry girdler Billbugs Armyworms Cutworms Webworms Wood borers Use S. riobravis on: Citrus Root weevils Mole crickets Use S. feltiae on: Mushroom sciarids Fungus gnats Use S. scapterisci on: Mole crickets Use H. bacteriophora on: Berries Root weevils Cranberries Root weevils Wood borers Turf Scarabs Billbugs Ornamentals Root weevils Use H. megidis on: Ornamentals Root weevils At last - a non-chemical way to rid your lawn of mole crickets! Click here. Web www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com Want to build your own web site?