Technology of Use

The direct application of the entomopathogenic nematodes is fulfilled by an «inundant» method when the active release of agents occurs to get wide and uniform dispersal for providing of the fast and the reliable level of phytophagan control.

The simplest method of entomopatogenic nematode application resides in using of the same types of facility, which is applied for spraying of chemicals. Thus, the nematodes can be incorporated on required areas by means of widespread equipment such as shoulder or mobile sprayers, mist blowers and others. The infective nematodes can withstand a pressure of up to 1068 kPa and penetrate through usual nozzles with a diameter of 100 µm, but the membranes in nozzles must be previously removed to minimize damage to the nematodes.

The nematodes also can be used through the system of irrigation including drop watering, microjets, sprinklers and furrow irrigation. Water application before and after nematode introduction and the following maintain of the moderate humidity of substrate is an important technological operation for successful using of the entomopathogenic nematodes. If water is limited, the subsurface injection of the nematodes can be the most effective method of nematode release. The introduction of the nematodes against foliage-feeding phytophagans is performed by means of the water suspension application of vegetative mass. Thereby application is recommended to realize in the evening at high air humidity. When the application with a nematode product is performed it is necessary to control the uniformity of leaf moistening. Don’t use the product together with nematocides and fertilizers. It is recommended to minimize or exclude (if possible) chemical treatments during 1–2 weeks before and after the application of the entomopathgenic nematodes.

Recirculation is a natural process after the introduction of the entomopathogenic nematodes, but it is likely not enough for the prolonged suppression of the host-insects, that is why nematode products should be used repeatedly in order to support the appropriate control of phytophagan insects.

It is necessary to observe optimal hydrothermal and ecological conditions, which are suitable for the entomopathogenic nematodes in the process of nematode application.