TERRANEM

 

Unit of packaging

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (insect-parasitic nematode)

Pack-size: 2 bags in a box

Contains: 2 x 250 million larvae (third stage) in inert carrying material

 

Preparation of solution

• put the contents of the package into a bucket containing 10 litres/3-gallons of water (15-20°C/59-68°F)
• stir well and leave the solution to soak for 20-30 seconds
• stir well again and pour the entire content into the irrigation or spray tank
• fill up with the required amount of water until the desired spray volume is reached. The desired volume of spray liquid mainly depends on practicability of application (e.g. 8-20 litre per 100 m²/2-6 gallons per 1,000 square feet). The larger the spray volume, the better
• spray immediately after preparation
• use the whole package at once, the distribution of nematodes in the pack is not homogenous!

 

Target

The insect-parasitic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora biologically controls many different grub species in turf and open field.

The most important target hosts in North America and Canada are:

- the Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)

- the European Chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis)

- the Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea)

- May/June Beetles (Phyllophaga spp.)

The most important target hosts in Europe are:

- Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola)

- Welch Chafer (Hoplia sp.)

- Dung Beetle (Aphodius sp.)

 

Rates
TERRANEM	rate	m²/unit	interval (days)	frequency	remark
preventive	-	-	-	-	-
curative light	500000/m²	1000	-	1x	early application
curative heavy	500000/m²	1000	21-28	2x	early and late application

 

Application and dose

• apply the solution immediately, using the irrigation or spraying system, such as boom sprayers, hand held booms, 'shower droplet' style nozzle systems, slit-inserting systems, backpack sprayers or motorized sprayers. For spraying systems, pressure should not exceed 5 bar/75 psi. To avoid blockages, remove all filters. The spray nozzle opening should be at least ½ mm (500 micron)
• evenly spread the solution over the ground area to be treated. Continuous mixing should take place to prevent the nematodes sinking to the bottom (but also avoid excess tank agitation)
• spray the whole mix in one application (don’t let the mix stand overnight)
• the content of one package is sufficient for 1,000 m²/10,000 square feet
• sprinkle the turf or soil with water again after the application to drain the nematodes into the soil. A post-application irrigation of 2-5 l/m² is sufficient. Keep the soil moist during the first two weeks after application

 

Environmental conditions

• soil temperature should be between 14-33°C/57-91ºF
• nematodes are very susceptible to ultraviolet light (UV). Avoid spraying in direct sunlight

 

Storage and handling

• storage after receipt: see package for expiry date
• storage temperature: 2-6°C/36-42°F
• in the dark
• remove product from polystyrene outer for rapid cooling of content

 

Appearance

Larvae (third stage): size 0.6 mm

Other stages: develop inside host

 

Mode of action

The nematode actively searches for insect larvae and enters a larva through a natural body opening, sometimes directly through the skin. Once inside the larva the nematode excretes specific bacteria from its digestive tract before it starts to feed. The bacteria multiply very rapidly and convert the host tissue into products that the nematodes take up and use for food. The larva dies within a few days and the color changes from white-beige to orange-red or red-brown. The nematodes multiply and develop within the dead insect. As soon as the nematodes are in the infectious third stage, they leave the old host and start searching for new larvae. When there are no new hosts present, the nematode population will slowly decrease.

 

Visual effect

Infected grubs turn color from white-beige to red-brown 2-4 days after application and become slimy. After a few weeks, dead larvae disintegrate completely and are difficult to find.

 

Important!

The introduction rates of this product should be adjusted to the mode of action of the product and the results that can be expected in the crop where the product is applied. Your local Koppert consultant or recognized distributor will be able to advise you further.

 

Only use products that are permitted in your country / state and crop.