Question 1

What are nematodes?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are microscopically small (0.6 to 1 mm), unsegmented worms that occur naturally in the soil throughout the world.

Question 2

Are there different types of nematodes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are entomopathogenic nematodes (insect parasitic), plant pathogenic nematodes, and saprophytic nematodes. The entomopathogenic nematodes are natural enemies of a lot of insects.

Question 3

Are all nematode species harmless?

Accepted Answer

No. Plant pathogenic nematodes cause harm to plants. However, entomopathogenic nematodes are 100% safe for plants, animals and humans. This is because only insects can be host to this group of nematodes. By far the most nematodes belong to the group of saprophytes. These nematodes are harmless and live of dead organic matter to provide a rich soil life.

Question 4

How do entomopathogenic nematodes work?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are actively looking for a host or using an ambush strategy to reach their host. Once in contact with a host, they try to penetrate it through a body opening. In the host, the nematodes release a bacterium that can kill the host very quickly. This bacterium also causes the host to be converted into food for the nematodes. This food enables the nematodes to complete their life cycle.

Question 5

Are there different types of entomopathogenic nematodes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The most common entomopathogenic nematodes belong to the genus Heterorhabditis or Steinernema. In addition, there are a number of other genera and species, but they are found in much smaller quantities.

Question 6

Are the released bacteria harmful?

Accepted Answer

No. This group of bacteria is only harmful to insects and cannot survive outside an insect or in warm-blooded organisms.

Question 7

Can entomopathogenic nematodes overwinter (temperate climate)?

Accepted Answer

No. Nematodes cannot survive at very low temperatures and certainly not outside a host. Only if the nematode is in the host and the temperature is not too low is there a small chance that the nematodes can overwinter. However, this is never to the extent that enough nematodes are available in spring to be able to have a sufficiently controlling effect.

Question 8

Do entomopathogenic nematodes work at all stages of the pest insect?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Some pests are susceptible to nematode infection in both larval and adult stages, some only during the larval stages (and some only as adults). As a general rule, nematodes are most effective against young larvae, especially in the case of large insects.

Question 9

Do entomopathogenic nematodes only work as a soil application?

Accepted Answer

In nature they live in soil and are therefore effective against soil pests, but for several above ground pests foliar applications show good efficacy, provided the fields/greenhouses offer the optimal temperature and humidity conditions required. For instance, nematodes can be used against palm tree pests, caterpillars, thrips, Nesidiocoris, asparagus beetle, Tuta absoluta and several fruit moths and beetles.

Question 10

Which nematode should I use?

Accepted Answer

Please contact your advisor for the pest/target lists. This list is not exhaustive as we are routinely running bioassays to discover new targets.

Question 11

How do I apply nematodes?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes should be applied with water. Once resuspended in water, the nematode suspension can be dispersed using spraying/irrigation systems most commonly used in agriculture and gardens: airblast sprayer, boom sprayer, drones, backpack sprayer, a watering can or others. They can also be dispersed via drip irrigation systems with a preference for high pressure ones and be injected through a Dosatron/Venturi injector. Remove filters if finer than 0.3 mm. If there is any doubt, remove all filters.

Question 12

What pressure can be on the pump and the spray boom?

Accepted Answer

The pressure on the nozzle may not exceed 20 bar (190 psi), with conventional large volume nozzles.

Question 13

Why should the soil be wet before/after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are sensitive to drought. When they are introduced into a dry substrate/soil they will die. Also when the soil dries out very quickly after application. In addition, they use moisture in combination with soil particles to move. Dispersion is not possible without a water film.

Question 14

How long after application should the substrate remain moist?

Accepted Answer

As long as the soil is not dry, the nematodes will survive and search for a host. It is therefore important to leave the soil moist for a few weeks after application of nematodes.

Question 15

Can I apply nematodes to each substrate/soil?

Accepted Answer

No. In particular in clean rock wool slabs they cannot maintain well and they will flush with the drain. (Pot) soil, on the other hand and if not too dry, is always good.
Heavy clay soil is also not optimum for nematodes. In this case, repeated applications are needed.

Question 16

What are the optimal conditions for foliar applications?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes can also be used against several foliar pests (f.e. caterpillars, thrips). Their efficacy will be strictly connected to survival time on the leaves. To ensure the best results, we therefore recommend to use the nematodes when:
 	Relative humidity is high (>75%); early mornings or evenings 	Solar radiation is low; early mornings or evenings 	Temperature is ideally within 15°C – 25°C (59 - 77°F) 	An adjuvant is recommended (ask your local consultants for compatible adjuvants)

Question 17

What should be the temperature of the spray water?

Accepted Answer

Preferably around 15 – 20 °C (59 - 68 °F) but certainly not above 25 °C (77 °F). Above 30 °C (86 °F), nematodes will die quickly.
Be careful with recirculation pumps that may quickly warm up the spray tank water above 30°C, especially in hot seasons.

Question 18

How long can I save a solution?

Accepted Answer

Once nematodes are resuspended in water, the total volume of the suspension must be sprayed immediately. Therefore a suspension cannot be saved.
If the suspension is not mixed, the nematodes will sink to the bottom and die of oxygen deficiency. Therefore, a suspension must always be kept in motion or aerated.

Question 19

Which pH and EC values are safe?

Accepted Answer

pH values ​​between 4-8 and EC values ​​up to 5 are safe for nematodes.

Question 20

With which pesticides/fungicides can I mix a nematode product?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are quite insensitive to many types of pesticides and can thus be sprayed easily after a pesticide treatment or even sometimes tank-mixed. For a complete list of side effects, check the Koppert Side Effect List on : https://sideeffects.koppert.com/side-effects or download the app. Tank mix with foliar fertilisers must be avoided.

Question 21

When can I expect effect? How fast do the nematodes work?

Accepted Answer

Under optimum conditions, a nematode can kill an insect in 24-48 hours. Under field conditions, a nematode will first have to look for a host. The effect of treatment is thus strongly dependent on how quickly a nematode has found a host.

Question 22

Is the effect visible?

Accepted Answer

Infected larvae will change color because of the growth of the bacteria and nematodes. In case of Heterorhabditis pink-reddish and Steinernema yellow-brownish. Under practical conditions, infected insect larvae will quickly become slimy and thus will no longer be found. In practice, the decrease of pest pressure is the only indication that the application has been effective.

Question 23

How long do the nematodes work / can they survive after application?

Accepted Answer

Under the optimum conditions, nematodes can, depending on their energy reserves, stay alive in the soil for a few weeks and look for a host.

Question 24

Do I need a spray license to apply nematodes?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are considered as natural enemies in most countries, so for applying nematodes no spraying license is required.

Question 25

Are nematodes compatible with organic farming?

Accepted Answer

In many countries they are considered as natural enemies (macro organisms) and can therefore be used in organic farming. Local registration requirements and retail demands can differ, so always check the local situation in your country.
Our nematode products Entonem and Capsanem are OMRI listed, meaning that this formulation has been reviewed by OMRI against the USA and Canadian organic standards. Other products are in the certification process. Please contact the local Koppert subsidiary for more info.

Question 26

What is the substance the nematodes are packed in?

Accepted Answer

In order for the nematodes to survive during transport and storage they need to be packed in a carrier material. This biodegradable carrier material allows a good solubility and a long shelf life for a living product.

Question 27

Is the carrier material harmful to humans?

Accepted Answer

No the carrier material is not harmful to humans.

Question 28

Is the carrier material harmful to the environment?

Accepted Answer

No the carrier material is biodegradable and not harmful to the environment, fish, micro-organisms and soil organisms. In addition the carrier material disintegrates quickly in the environment, releasing its natural compounds.

Question 29

How do I store the product?

Accepted Answer

The product must be stored in a ventilated refrigerator between 2-6°C (35-43°F). Upon receipt of the nematodes, generally shipped in cool boxes, it is highly recommended to remove them from the cool box as soon as possible and store them preferably unstacked, in a fridge or a ventilated cold room, between 2 to 6°C (35-43°F). This will maximize the nematodes shelf life. Freezing will be lethal.
If impossible to remove them from the cool boxes, keep the cool boxes lid open upon receipt and place the product in a cold room as soon as possible.

Question 30

How long can I keep the product?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes can be stored in a ventilated refrigerator until the expiry date. For long storage, it is recommended to avoid stacking up the packs in order to maintain a good air circulation.

Question 31

Are the nematodes dead after reaching the 'use by' date?

Accepted Answer

No. However, we can no longer guarantee that the indicated numbers of nematodes on the pack are still active. As a result, the efficacy can no longer be guaranteed. It does not mean that, i.e. 1 week after “use by “date, no effects are to be expected.

Question 32

Do nematodes require a registration as pesticide?

Accepted Answer

Nematodes are considered as natural enemies in most countries, so for applying nematodes no license is required. They are therefore exempt of pesticide regulations. However, some countries may require local permits. Check with your local Koppert consultant and/or your local authorities if any doubt.

FAQ Beneficial Nematodes

Nematodes in general