Biological treatment with Steinernema Carpocapsae (SC) nematodes against pests and/or harmful insects

Nematodes are microscopic worms that penetrate insect pest larvae and release symbiotic bacteria. These bacteria transform the host tissues into assimilable nutrients allowing the nematodes to feed, grow and reproduce inside the host. This kills the pest within a few hours or days of infection.

Scientific name: Steinernema carpocapsae
General species: Entomopathogenic nematodes
Product category: Cultivation aid

• For protection against various insect pests in protected and open field crops
• Effective in a wide temperature range
• Highly soluble biodegradable formulation with long shelf life

Terms of use

Steinernema carpocapsae performs best in a temperature range of 14-35°C (57-95°F). Ground or air temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 35°C (95°F) can be fatal. Nematodes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light: do not use in direct sunlight. Soil moisture should remain high for several days after application. If possible, irrigate the crop before and immediately after application. For foliar application, spray Steinernema Carpocapsae when relative humidity exceeds 75% for several hours after treatment. The addition of a builder and/or an anti-desiccant/humectant additive may improve efficacy. Spray in the evening (or in the morning in some cases) which allows the nematodes to work for several hours in the optimum range of temperature and humidity.

Use for

Steinernema Carpocapsae can be used for biological protection against various insect pests in indoor and outdoor crops. This product is effective over a wide temperature range. Steinernema Carpocapsae can also be applied as a foliar treatment.

mode of action

The nematodes penetrate the larva of the insect pest and release symbiotic bacteria into the body cavity of the pest. These bacteria transform the host tissues into assimilable nutrients allowing the nematodes to feed, grow and reproduce inside the host. This kills the pest within a few hours or days of infection.

Activity indices

Infected pests are usually hard to find. Infected leaf pests simply fall to the ground. Infected insect pests in the root zone turn yellow to brown but may be difficult to see due to rapid breakdown.

Stage of development

Third-stage infective larvae (L3)

Concentration

86% Steinernema carpocapsae – 14% biodegradable inert carrier.

Preparation

Remove the sachets from the box and keep them at room temperature for 30 minutes
Empty the contents of the sachets into a bucket containing at least 2 liters of water per sachet (water temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F))
Mix well and soak the solution for five minutes
Mix again and pour the contents of the bucket into the half-filled spray tank (unless mixing with a compatible product)
Continue to agitate the solution (using a recirculating pump, for example)
Fill the sprayer tank with the required amount of water
If mixing with a compatible product, add Steinernema Carpocapsae last when the spray tank is completely filled.
Apply directly after preparing the spray solution.

Application

Nematodes can be applied with a watering can, Airblast sprayer, sprinkler, backpack sprayer or vehicle sprayer
To avoid blockage, remove filters, especially if the opening is less than 0.3 mm (50 mesh)
Use a maximum pressure of 20 bar / 290 psi (at the nozzle)
The aperture of the spray jet must be at least 0.5 mm (500 microns – 35 mesh); preferably use hollow cone jet type nozzles with high output
Mix continuously to prevent the nematodes from falling to the bottom of the tank
Avoid sprayers equipped with a centrifugal or piston pump
The water temperature in the sprayer tank should not exceed 25°C (77°F) and the pH should be between 4 and 8
Spray the solution evenly on the surface of the soil/growing medium

Dose

Steinernema Carpocapsae is typically applied at 250,000 to 500,000 nematodes per m² for soil applications and 1 to 3 million nematodes per liter for foliar applications (application to runoff point).

Timing of application

The timing and frequency depends on the pest species and the crop environment (relative humidity, soil moisture and temperature).

Side effects and compatibility

Pesticides can have (in)direct effects on biological solutions. As a general rule, when mixing directly into the spray tank, always add the nematodes last to the fully filled tank containing the compatible product. The product is safe for most beneficial insects and mites, but may have some effect on a few when in direct contact with foliar applied nematodes.

IMPORTANT

• Store cool at 2-6°C (do not freeze) in the refrigerator after receipt until use and protected from light.
• Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before use.
• To be used as soon as the temperatures are between 14 to 35° C.
• Use early morning or late evening to avoid UV, as nematodes are UV sensitive.
• Nematodes are not afraid of heat (<30°C), keeping them cold only aims to plunge them into cryptobiosis, thus keeping them in a state of lethargy.
• At room temperature, the nematodes continue their development. On the other hand, without "food", they will eventually die of "starvation" after about a week.
• Spraying: Remove the filters, use a nozzle diameter > 0.5 mm (35 mesh), prefer a high-flow hollow "conical jet" type nozzle.
• Do not keep the solution once diluted in water, the nematodes would eventually die of asphyxiation.