Frequently asked questions about nematode application
Some have sworn by them for years, others have never heard of them: nematodes. These tiny nematodes are found all over the world and are among the most species-rich creatures of all. Some of them have the ability to control harmful insects in the home and garden. We produce and sell these nematodes as biological pesticides. Nematodes offer a natural solution to a variety of problems in both professional and hobby gardening. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Nematodes (nema: Greek = thread) are tiny, thread-like soil organisms about 0.5 mm long. Alongside insects, they are one of the most species-rich multicellular organisms on earth. They are at home in every conceivable habitat. They can be found in the deep sea, in the summit regions of the Himalayas or even in the Siberian permafrost. Nematodes feed on plants, bacteria, fungi, their spores or other nematodes. Some nematode species are entomopathogenic, which means that they are the natural enemies of certain insects. Our plant protection products also work on the basis of these entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN).
Nematodes are approx. 0.5 cm long threadworms. After being spread in the soil, they seek out the pests to be controlled or their larvae and penetrate them through the body openings. There the nematodes secrete a symbiotic bacterium that kills the pests. The nematodes feed on the dead larvae and multiply inside them. As soon as the host is consumed, the nematodes look for a new victim and the process begins again. This process is repeated until the nematodes find no more pests.
In the wild, entomopathogenic nematodes reproduce within the insect larvae that they parasitise in the soil. There they find exactly the conditions and nutrients they need to reproduce. These conditions are recreated in so-called bioreactors. Within the bioreactors, the nematodes reproduce over 10-14 days and multiply exponentially until they are ready for the ‘harvest’. This is adjusted precisely so that the young nematodes are in a permanent larval stage. This stage can be compared to a standby mode. Only when the nematodes are then released do they awaken from this state and develop their effect. You can get a more detailed insight in our video.
No. Nematodes only attack a few insect families, almost exclusively pests.
Our nematodes are also completely harmless to fish. You can apply our product right up to the edge of the pond without any problems
Our nematode products can be kept for up to 6 weeks if stored in a cool place (2-8° C). For the best effect, however, we recommend applying them as soon as possible after receipt.
No, the nematodes are completely harmless to humans and animals. They act specifically against the harmful insects. They die at temperatures above 32° C and are therefore unable to survive in the bodies of humans and mammals.
Bislang sind ca. 40.000 verschiedene Nematoden-Arten beschrieben, Schätzungen gehen jedoch davon aus, dass es mehr als 1 Million verschiedene Arten gibt. Nematoden sind damit die artenreichsten mehrzelligen Lebewesen auf unserem Planeten und sind in allen Ökosystemen zu finden. Forschende einer globalen Studie aus dem Jahr 2019 sind zu der Schätzung gekommen, dass auf jeden Menschen ca. 57 Milliarden Nematoden kommen.
Kurze Antwort: Sowohl als auch. Nematoden, auch als Fadenwürmer bekannt, gehören mit über 40.000 beschriebenen Arten zu den artenreichsten vielzelligen Lebewesen auf unserem Planeten. Einige Nematoden-Arten sind phytopathogen, das bedeutet, dass sie Pflanzen befallen und schädigen, indem sie sich von ihren Wurzeln ernähren. Andere Nematoden Arten wiederrum sind entomopathogen und befallen bestimmte Insektenarten. Diese Nematoden (EPN) können als natürliche Schädlingsbekämpfer eingesetzt werden und gelten dementsprechend als Nützlinge. Auf Basis dieser Nematoden-Arten funktionieren unsere Pflanzenschutzprodukte. Zu diesen EPN zählen unter anderem die Nematoden-Arten Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae und Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.
The exact dosage and application depends on the product and the pest to be controlled. Basically, however, the application is always the same: the nematodes are stored in a mineral powder, which is mixed with water according to the instructions on the inside of the packaging. This nematode solution is then poured or sprayed onto the affected areas. You can find a detailed overview of the correct application of nematodes in our video here.
Many nematodes are compatible with biological and some chemical pesticides. Nevertheless, compatibility should be tested in advance. Fungicides, insecticides and disinfectants in particular can damage nematodes. If in doubt, always apply nematodes separately and observe a waiting period.
A detailed overview of the miscibility of nematodes can be found here:
Miscibility of nematodes
Es ist unbedingt darauf zu achten, dass die Ausbringung des
Produktes nicht bei direktem Sonnenschein
erfolgt, da die Nematoden empfindlich gegenüber Austrocknung und UV-Strahlung
sind. Am besten bringt man die Nematoden morgens, abends, bei bedecktem Wetter
oder Regen aus. Ist der Boden trocken, sollte er vor der Ausbringung bewässert
werden. Nach der Ausbringung wird den Nematoden durch Nachwässern das
Eindringen in den Boden erleichtert.
Da die Nematoden sich nur in feuchtem Boden fortbewegen können, muss der Boden
feucht gehalten werden und darf in den Wochen nach Ausbringung auf keinen Fall
austrocknen.
Die Nematoden werden einfach mit Wasser gemischt und auf die Erde oder Blätter der betroffenen Pflanzen gegossen bzw. gespritzt. Genaue Anweisungen sind auf der Innenseite der Verpackung zu finden oder liegen der Sendung als Anwendungshinweise bei.
- Soil too dry (nematodes cannot move)
- Application at too high or too low temperatures
- Dosage too low
- Application in full sun
- Use of too fine filters in spraying equipment (nematodes get stuck)
- Too long storage after opening the packaging
- Application during the wrong time during the pest insect life cycle
The first effects are usually visible after 7-14 days when the pests die off. The full effect unfolds over several weeks, depending on the life cycle of the pest.
No, to date there is no known resistance of pests to entomopathogenic nematodes. This makes them particularly valuable for resistance management in integrated pest management.
Yes, nematodes are also suitable for small areas, raised beds, tubs and balcony gardens. There are special small packs for hobby gardeners. Application is simple and safe.