Larvanem
Beetle Control
Beneficial nematodes
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is a species of beneficial nematode commonly used in biological pest control. These microscopic roundworms are parasitic and are known for their effectiveness in controlling a variety of insect pests. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes infect their hosts by entering through natural openings or the cuticle. Once inside the host, they release symbiotic bacteria, typically of the genus Photorhabdus, which quickly multiply and cause septicemia, ultimately killing the host within a few days. This species is particularly effective against insect pests such as larvae of beetles (including grubs). Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes are usually applied to the soil. This biological control method, offers a natural and environmentally friendly approach to pest management in agriculture and horticulture.
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes for pest control
The beneficial nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora controls a variety of pests in horticulture and agriculture, including:
-
Beetle larvae (incl. grubs)
Beetle larvae (incl. grubs)
- Amphimallon aestivus
- Anoxia villosa
- Asiatic garden beetle (Autoserica castanea)
- Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and other Otiorhynchus spp.
- Brown chafer (Serica brunnea)
- Common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha)
- Common garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)
- Dune chafer (Anomala dubia)
- Dung beetles (Aphodius spp.)
- European chafer (Amphimallon majale)
- Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)
- Japanese beetle (Popilia japonica)
- Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis)
- Phyllophaga spp.
- Summer chafer/June beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis)
- Welsh chafer (Hoplia philanthus) and other Hoplia spp.
-
Caterpillars
Caterpillars
- Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina)
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematode products
Koppert offers various Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematode products for biological pest control. These include:
How do Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes work?
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes control pests through a process called parasitism. When applied, these microscopic roundworms actively seek out beetle larvae. Once they locate a suitable host, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes enter the pest's body through natural openings.
Once inside the pest, the nematodes release symbiotic bacteria, typically of the genus Photorhabdus, which quickly multiply and cause septicemia, ultimately killing the host within a few days. The nematodes then feed and reproduce within the cadaver of the dead host, resulting in the emergence of a new generation of nematodes that can continue to seek out and infect other pests in the area. In this way, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes effectively control pests by parasitizing and killing them, providing a natural and environmentally friendly method of pest management in agriculture and horticulture.