Introduction:

Rich garden soil is brimming with nutrients and life. An complete ecosystem made up of insects, invertebrates, and microbes exists beneath the surface of the soil. Some are beneficial to plants, but others harm their roots, sprout to spread illness, and consume your flowers, vegetables, herbs, and lawn. Common insect pests can be eliminated from your garden with the aid of beneficial nematodes.

Nematodes: What Are They?

Gardeners should be aware of two types of nematodes: helpful nematodes and root-knot nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms with extremely specific diets.

Both kinds are parasitic and prefer the damp conditions around plant roots. The main distinction is that Meloidogyne spp., or root-knot nematodes, injure plants by entering and contaminating their root systems. Beneficial nematodes are a natural, eco-friendly way to get rid of soil-born insect pests. The two most frequent types are Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae. These kinds have little effect on people, animals, or other insects that do not spend a significant amount of their life cycle underground.

Numerous other varieties of nematodes feed on fungus, bacteria, and other nematodes rather than being parasites of plants or insects. These species aid in the decomposition of organic materials in the soil and release nutrients for plant uptake. Numerous species are being investigated to find out how they benefit and enhance soil.

Beneficial Nematodes for Pest Control:

The most popular applications of beneficial nematodes are for the management of insect pests in nurseries, citrus, cranberries, mushrooms, lawns, and gardens. There are five distinct species that are marketed commercially. With some overlap, each species targets particular insect pests.

Many typical garden bug pests are underground dwellers or producers. By identifying the chemical signature of the pest and eliminating them, beneficial nematodes search for possible hosts. A beneficial nematode has a two-week lifetime.

The following is a list of insect pests that beneficial nematodes have been able to effectively control:

• Cutworms.

• Armyworms.

• Gnat of fungus.

• Japanese insect.

• Typical turf grubs.

• Weevil of the black vine.

How to Use Nematodes for Pest Control

The most crucial thing to remember is that the sort of nematodes you choose should infect the pest you're trying to eradicate. Look into the kind of beneficial nematodes that thrive in your climate as they are more effective in warm, humid climates and less successful in colder, drier ones.

Only the third stage of the life cycle of beneficial nematodes makes them effective at controlling pests. When kept at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they can be kept for several months. The species determines how long they can be kept in the refrigerator. They cannot be kept or preserved for later use once they have been combined with water. If it isn't specified, ask your provider for the expiration date and storage details.

Beneficial nematodes might be liquid, granular, sponge-like, or in a gel form. Use all of the contents after the package has been opened. Avoid using beneficial nematodes that have expired as they could release an unpleasant fishy odor.

> To apply advantageous nematodes to your lawn, crops, orchards, and gardens, follow these steps:

• Use beneficial nematodes in August through September or early April. Utilize them as soon as possible after receiving them.

• The ideal applications are in the morning and evening.

• Soak the top two inches of soil with water in the application area.

• Follow thedirections on the nematode packaging and mix water with it.

• To spread the nematode solution, use a mister, hose with a sprayer attachment, or watering can.

• To help the organisms settle into the soil, water again.

• For two weeks, keep the soil moist.

• Wait two weeks after spraying before reseeding your lawn or planting your crops.

Where Can I Find Useful Nematodes?

You may buy these organic pesticides online, at garden centers, and from specialty garden stores. If you are targeting a particular insect, such as cranberry weevil or strawberry borer, search for environmentally friendly companies that sell a variety of organic products for your home and garden.