Koppert introduces nematode solutions for agricultural pests

Beneficial nematodes that actively hunt for harmful pests are now available for outdoor crops. Leading biocontrol producer Koppert introduces these nematode solutions specifically for agricultural pests. They are a fast and effective biological solution to control a broad range of pests in top fruit, stone fruit, soft fruit, potatoes and several outdoor vegetables. 

The increasing limitation in availability and the growing resistance to pesticides means that growers are looking for alternative solutions for controlling pests in their crops. In response to the growing demand, Koppert has researched the application of beneficial nematodes in agriculture with two products – Capirel and Casea. These two products each contain a different nematode species and can be used to control damaging pests such as wireworms in irrigated potato, bean seed fly in onion, codling moth and other moths in fruits, thrips in outdoor vegetables such as leek, and the beet armyworm and other caterpillars in many crops, such as lettuce and baby leaves.  

The good news for growers is that they can apply these two biocontrol products with the most commonly used spraying and irrigation systems. Another plus is that the beneficial nematodes are compatible with many insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. This means that they do not lose efficacy when used together with chemical solutions.  

As a biological solution, the nematodes leave no harmful residue on the crop, which means that both conventional and organic growers can use them, even close to harvest time. In addition, they are safe for humans and the environment supporting a more sustainable way of growing.   

Koppert has produced beneficial nematodes since 1986. Initially researched and developed for the horticultural market, this biological solution is now performing well in outdoor crops to stop direct damage and safeguard many fruits and vegetables.  

Many years of experience have gone into selecting, producing, formulating and quality control of these nematodes. Each of the entomopathogenic nematodes produced by Koppert has been selected to target specific pest insects. For this purpose, Koppert produces Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.