Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
species of nematodes, listed in
Table 13
. Beneficial nematode
products often contain both species to be as broadly useful as
possible.
Beneficial nematodes require extreme care in their handling
and are usually shipped by overnight courier in a refrigerated
package. They are stored in the refrigerator until they are
used. It is best to wait until ground temperatures are above 50
degrees, the ground is damp, and a light rain is falling. Then
put the nematodes in a pump-style sprayer and apply them to
the ground where you want them. The reason for this is that
beneficial nematodes are very prone to dehydration, and the
falling rain helps them get into the soil. If you live north of
Maryland, you'll need to apply them yearly because they
can't survive the winter. If you live in a more southerly clime,
the nematodes will probably survive, so a second application
may not be needed.
Table 13: Beneficial Nematodes
Species
Pests Controlled
Notes
Steinernema
spp
Webworms,
cutworms,
Not effective
against grubs
vine borers
Heterorhabditis
spp
White grubs, vine weevils,
root weevils
Pest Repellents
Organic repellent mixtures are not 100% effective, but they
serve as a valuable part of an integrated strategy for pest
management. One repellent mixture is simple hot pepper.
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, repels onion,
carrot, and cabbage maggots. Simply finely chop up a cup of