BENEFICIAL NEMATODES
ABOUT BENEFICIAL NEMATODES:
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that play a vital role in organic gardening and pest control. Despite their small size, they are incredibly effective at targeting and eliminating soil-dwelling pests. Beneficial nematodes have a slender, unsegmented body and have a transparent appearance, making them virtually invisible when present in the soil.
Beneficial nematodes are important because they are voracious predators of many soil-dwelling pests. They actively seek out and parasitize a wide range of insects, including grubs, larvae, and pupae of various pests like fungus gnats, weevils, cutworms, and root maggots.
Having beneficial nematodes in your garden offers numerous benefits. Firstly, they provide a natural and environmentally friendly solution for controlling harmful pests without the need for chemical insecticides. By reducing the pest population, they help to prevent damage to plant roots and minimize the risk of plant diseases caused by these pests. Additionally, beneficial nematodes improve soil health by breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients, enhancing overall soil fertility.
CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY:
Certain chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, have the potential to negatively impact beneficial nematodes. Their use can harm or even eliminate these helpful organisms, diminishing their efficacy as natural pest controllers. Consequently, it is crucial to assess the compatibility of chemicals with beneficial nematodes prior to their application in the soil.
To assist you in this regard, we have assembled a comprehensive list of chemicals that are deemed compatible with beneficial nematodes.
TARGET PEST CHART:
To help guide you in selecting the right type of beneficial nematodes for your needs, we have compiled a chart that lists the target pests and the corresponding species of beneficial nematodes that can help control them.
EASY RELEASE METHODS:
Releasing beneficial nematodes in your garden or farm is a straightforward process that can be done using a variety of methods. Two of the easiest methods are using a hose-end sprayer or using a watering/pump sprayer can.
With a hose-end sprayer, you simply attach the sprayer to your garden hose and fill the reservoir with the appropriate amount of nematodes. The sprayer will automatically mix the nematodes with water as you spray, allowing for even distribution throughout the area you are treating.
Using a watering can or pump sprayer is similarly easy: you just mix the nematodes with water in a bucket and then pour or spray the mixture over the area you want to treat.
Both methods are effective and allow you to easily apply beneficial nematodes to your garden or farm without any special equipment or training.
