Sciarid Fly Killer Nematodes 15 sqm

Product Information

Start on a small scale. Don’t convert an entire operation to biological control until you have tested it and feel comfortable with using it. Nematodes are compatible with a number of different pesticides; however, they are generally not compatible with organophosphates, carbamates, nematicides, and hydrogen dioxide. Do not mix nematodes with your fertilizer solution. Maintain a weed-free environment. Weeds should be eliminated from inside and outside the greenhouse, including areas underneath benches, behind vents, and in pots. Weeds underneath benches may create a moist environment suitable for fungus gnat and shore fly development. Maintain a 20-30-foot weed-free barrier around the greenhouse perimeter to prevent weed seed germination and entry of new weed seeds through unscreened vents and doors. When vine weevil larvae are present, and soil temperatures are above 12°C for at least a few hours per day (April to October). Adult female fungus gnats lay their eggs in organic, moisture-rich environments like potting mix, which hatch into larvae in a matter of days at room temperature. In addition to feeding on fungi and organic matter in potting soil, these larvae might also chow down on houseplants’ roots. Within two weeks, they develop into pupae and finally adult fungus gnats, at which point they emerge from the soil to begin the cycle of egg-laying anew. What do fungus gnats look like?

Fungus gnat larvae mostly eat things in the soil like algae, fungi, dead roots and organic matter. However, they can also feed on live roots, damaging your plant. This can cause deformed growth or death. The microscopic worms travel through the soil, hunt down the larvae version of the pest, and kill them. Calculating the number of nematodes you need depends on the treatment area. Generally speaking, we recommend 500,000 nematodes per square metre, which might sound like a massive population, but remember: they’re teeny tiny. Repeated applications are often needed. Reapply in 2 to 4 weeks under moderate to heavy infestations. For longer term crops, apply at the beginning and at mid-crop.

References

Andrew H. Jeffers, County Coordinator, Horticulture and Natural Resouces Agent, South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional Program Coordinator, Horticulture Program Team, Spartanburg County Cooperative Extension Office

Cloyd RA. Fungus gnat management on greenhouse-grown crops. Manhattan (KS): Kansas State University; 2010 Sep. MF2937. https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2937.pdf. Some fungus gnats are exceptionally hardy, being able to tolerate cold conditions through their possession of antifreeze proteins. Typically, overwintering organisms can either avoid freezing or tolerate freezing, but Excechia nugatoria can do both. For E. nugatoria, the production of noncolligative antifreeze proteins (NAPs) protects the head and thorax from freezing, but they do not protect the abdomen. Freezing of the head and thorax in other insects tends to have adverse effects on neural tissue, so it is not surprising that these protective mechanisms have been observed in certain species, but E. nugatoria is the only insect known to semi-freeze through the winter. By allowing the abdomen to freeze, evaporative water loss is reduced over the course of the winter. [7] [8] Management [ edit ] Research and testing identifies and isolates the most effective nematode species against a specific target pest. Within the UK, the supply and use of biocontrol products containing EPN is regulated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.Sformo, Todd; Kohl, F.; McIntyre, J.; Kerr, P.; Duman, J. G.; Barnes, B. M. (1 October 2009). "Simultaneous freeze tolerance and avoidance in individual fungus gnats, Exechia nugatoria". Journal of Comparative Physiology B. 179 (7): 897–902. doi: 10.1007/s00360-009-0369-x. PMID 19495776. S2CID 13072438.

If you prefer to avoid applying insecticides of any kind to your plants, luring gnats away from them with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap is likely the best way to kill them. SUPPLIES John Sanderson, Suzanne Wainwright-Evans & Ronald Valentin. Grower Talks, 2021. Best Practices for Biocontrols Part 4.

Yes, simply add to the soil in the pot/container. The nematodes can only travel through/live in moist soil, so they will not have far to travel. Nor will they leave your plant pots/containers. They will die out naturally once the fungus gnat larvae are killed. In a shallow container at least 1/4 inch deep, such as a jar lid, bowl, or dish, pour a mixture of one part water to one part vinegar to which you’ve added a few drops of concentrated dish soap. The vinegar will attract adult fungus gnats, while the dish detergent will eliminate any that enter the dish. STEP 2: Move the apple cider vinegar trap into place.