Steinernema feltiae for Thrips Control

Steinernema feltiae

Target Pests

Thrips
Fungus Gnat
Shorefly

Most Growers want to prevent production losses from thrips & fungus gnat outbreaks, while staying within budget.

But the problem is thrips pupae and fungus gnat larvae often slip under the radar of many crop protection programs.

At Crop Defenders, we understand how frustrating it is to see thrips and fungus gnat populationss suddenly flare-up. By effectively controlling the vulnerable soil-dwelling life stages of these pests can help you save more production, and save money on controlling other life stages. That's why we offer Steinernema feltiae nematodes, with expedited shipping or direct delivery to Growers across Canada and the United States.

Packaging Options

Loose (in bag)

500 Million
250 Million
50 Million

Carrier Material Options

Cellulose with Diatomaceous Earth.

Physical Description

Steinernema feltiae are microscopic, colorless, cylindrical entomopathogenic nematodes (round worms) that occur naturally in soils throughout the world. Steinernema feltiae is primarily used to fungus gnat larvae and thrips pupae (excluding Impatiens Thrips Echinothrips americanus which pupates on foliage) in growing media. The body length of infective juveniles ranges between 750-950 μm and 22-27μm in width.

Life Cycle

Entomopathogenic Nematodes complete most of their life cycle in insect hosts with an exception of infective juveniles, the only life stage found outside of the host. Infective juveniles search for prey and enter through body openings such as mouth, anus, cuticle, or spiracles.

Infective juveniles then actively penetrate through the midgut wall or tracheae into the insect body cavity (hemocoel) containing insect blood (haemolymph). Once in the body cavity, infective juveniles release symbiotic bacteria from their intestines into the insect haemolymph.
The bacteria multiply in the nutrient-rich haemolymph, and infective juveniles recover from their arrested state (dauer stage) and start feeding on multiplying bacteria and disintegrated host tissues. Toxins produced by the developing nematodes and multiplying bacteria in the body cavity kill the insect host 2-3 days.

Mode of Action

Infective juveniles of Steinernema feltiae enter the host through natural openings. Once inside the host body, Steinernema feltiae infective juveniles release symbiotic bacteria (ingested from the soil) which are lethal to the insect pest, resulting in death from septicaemia after 2-3 days.

Steinernema feltiae reproduces inside the dead host, and thousands of new nematodes leave each dead host and search for further prey. Steinernema feltiae requires moisture in the growing media or substrate to facilitate movement, or water to facilitate movement for foliar spray applications.

Target Pests

Thrips Pupae including:

Western Flower Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis
Pepper Thrips Thrips parvispinus
Onion Thrips Thrips tabaci

Fungus Gnat (Sciarid Flies) Larvae Sciaridae

Shore Flies Larvae Ephydridae, Scatella

Rates

Schedule a Call with our Technical Consultants for guidance on rates and strategies tailored to your crops and needs.

Ideal Greenhouse Conditions

For soil and growing media applications, temperature should be within 10-28°C (50-82°F). For spray applications, air temperature should be within 10-28°C (50-82°F). At lower and higher temperatures, Steinernema feltiae efficacy decreases. The soil or growing media should be moist. Avoid applications in direct sunlight.

Application

Steinernema feltiae may be applied as a soil drench using standard irrigation equipment or by most standard methods used in pesticide application.

Mix the required amount of the water-soluble product with water (15-20°C/59-68°F) and mix well to form a uniform suspension.
Apply directly to the growing media by drip irrigation or standard high volume spray equipment at a minimum water rate of 1,000 liters per ha. Use a maximum pressure of 5 bars (72.5 PSI) and spray nozzles of at least 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) aperture size. All filters must be removed to avoid blockage.
Ensure continuous mixing during application. Irrigate immediately after application in case of soil drench. Use the entire package contents.
Applications should be done early morning or late evening for maximum target reach.
Although Steinernema feltiae is compatible with most fungicides and insecticides, tank mixing is not recommended. Simultaneous use of nematicide must be avoided.