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Gardening Area => Plant Pests & Infections => Topic started by: Biotopia on April 05, 2016, 01:38:43 AM

Title: Beneficial nematodes..
Post by: Biotopia on April 05, 2016, 01:38:43 AM

Just curious if anyone has person experience with these.. I had a grub problem in my lawn last fall so I bought a pack containing Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, and Heterohabditis bacteriophora.  I bought some wax worms from the bait shop and inoculated them to hopefully expand the populations.  I'll post back with updates.

Nematodes attack! (https://youtu.be/5iE-gzC2dy8)

Title: Re: Beneficial nematodes..
Post by: plantlight on April 05, 2016, 02:45:44 AM

Fascinating how quickly they go to work.  How did you know which type of predator insect to release?

Title: Re: Beneficial nematodes..
Post by: Biotopia on April 05, 2016, 08:13:27 PM

A Google search for organic grub control came back with the Hb variety as a biological control.. When I purchased them the documentation that came with them lists what species is best suited for which pests.  From what I've read they can be limited in the temperature range they can survive so repeat applications are needed.  That is what led me to attempt breeding them.

Title: Re: Beneficial nematodes..
Post by: plantlight on April 05, 2016, 10:35:22 PM

Very intense.   :)  I'd ask you to upload some photos but since the upload restrictions on photos, it's a real pain :-\

Title: Re: Beneficial nematodes..
Post by: sporehead on April 06, 2016, 08:49:59 AM

Eat them grubs when you find em. Good stuff. Little green or brown ones out here taste like cucumber.