Have you read the introductory First Thing’s First?
Soil Pest Controls
Nematode spp. (Sponge)
Important! Do not expose nematode packages or their contents to the sun or any source of ultraviolet light. Upon receipt, refrigerate until ready for use. These packages of nematodes may be stored in such a manner for up to 3 months with no product degradation as long as the sponge does not dry out (adding a drop or two of distilled water to the sponge monthly and making certain the bag is well sealed can prevent this from happening).
Instructions: In the early evening, or during heavily overcast weather (outdoors applications benefit by being made during a light rain), pre-water the soil or medium to be treated. Note how much water is used when pre-watering, as this information will help you properly prepare the nematodes for release. Pre-watering the area with a hose-end or siphoning sprayer that draws liquid out of a reservoir is helpful in determining how much water is going to be needed for use later. Near sundown, if not applied during inclement weather, or prior to any other release time, remove the package from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature, in a shady location (indoors), for 30 minutes to acclimate. Meanwhile, fill a bucket or similar wide-mouthed vessel with room temperature water (a gallon or two, or use the amount of water needed to fill the hose-end or siphoning sprayer reservoir “X” number of times, if this is your application method). When through, remove the nematode containing sponge from the plastic bag and immerse it in the bucket; fill and empty the bag, too, as it may have some “runaway” nematodes in it. Vigorously stretch and agitate the sponge underwater to free the nematodes. (The nematodes on the sponge appear as a off-white or yellowish blotch). After this is done you will have what is called a “nematode concentrate.” Fill the hose-end or siphoning sprayer reservoir, if this is your preferred method, and soak the medium requiring treatment to a depth of about 2". Or use a watering can or similar device with small amounts of nematode concentrate further diluted with more water. Then pour the diluted concentrate into the area to be treated, again being sure to thoroughly soak the growing medium to a depth of about 2". Repeat the above until the concentrate is gone and the area has been treated. Note: Between refills of the hose-end or siphoning sprayer reservoir or watering can be sure to agitate the concentrate, as the nematodes tend to settle to the bottom. When through with either treatment style, flush the medium with a little more water to ensure the nematodes are well within the medium. These nematodes may also be applied by means of a fertilizer injection or drip-irrigation system (the nematodes, which can withstand up to 300 psi., can be applied with concentrated fertilizer still in the mix tank), boom/tank trailer, sub-irrigation system, or a backpack or hand-held pump sprayer. If any of these methods are implemented, it is usually best to remove any fine screens or filters. Next follow the instructions for hose-end/siphoning type sprayers, detailed above.
Note: Never allow nematodes to remain in solution for more than 12 hours without aeration, and regular agitation of the concentrate is recommended. Flush lines when through.
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Nematode spp. (Solid)
These Steinernema feltiae products are specifically designed for fungus gnat control in pot-to-pot applications ideal for use in specific interior plantscapes, nurseries and greenhouses where using broad coverage nematode formulations (i.e. nematodes on sponges) are not always practical, efficient or cost-effective. If you’re using these solid formulation products for broad coverage applications, the nematodes will have to be removed from their vermiculite carrier and applied according to conventional sponge-supplied nematode methods. Call your supplier for this information or purchase nematodes on sponges next time you order. Like most parasitic nematode species, Steinernema feltiae nematodes are capable of controlling a large number of diverse pests if their in-ground larval stages are targeted through carefully timed applications.
Directions for Dilution & Storage. Important Note A: The unit(s), as shipped, may be stored in a refrigerator for up to one month prior to proceeding to Step 1. It/they must be refrigerator stored within four hours of receipt. Up until that time, please keep the unit(s) in the styrofoam box in which it/they was/were shipped.
- Empty the contents of one unit into a mixing bowl, plastic storage container or similar vessel. Mix only one unit at a time if multiple units have been purchased.
- Add ¼ cup of cool tap water and stir contents well.
- Return the well-mixed vessel contents back into the unit which was supplied.
Important Note B: The unit(s) may now be stored for an additional five to six months, depending on how long the unit(s) was/were stored prior to mixing. In any case, do not exceed six months of total storage. The unit(s) is/are now ready to be used.
Directions for Pot-to-Pot Applications. Important Note: Applications should be made out of direct sunlight as ultra violet light can injure, and even kill, the nematodes. Interior plantscape applications can be made at nearly anytime provided strong sunlight is not focused directly on the medium on which the nematodes are being applied. The same holds true in shade house nursery and heavily shaded greenhouse environments. Outdoor applications should be made at dusk, at night or during overcast days, or during lengthy periods of light rain or drizzle. Applications should not be made during periods of heavy rains as the nematodes could be washed away. Moreover, applications should not be made on days of intermittent rain and sun.
- Using a long, thin instrument (a barbecue skewer, chopstick, etc.) remix the contents of one unit.
- Apply as evenly as possible to the pre-moistened or pre-irrigated medium’s surface a quantity of the vermiculite/nematode/water mixture. (See below the specifics for quantities to be applied.)
- Add sufficient water to thoroughly moisten the applied mixture into the medium to a depth of about two inches.
Special Notes. For the 10 million unit size: use ¼ tsp. of the mixture for four inch pots; ½ tsp. of mixture for six inch pots and; ¾ tsp. of the mixture per every eight inches of pot diameter above the six inch pot size (i.e., for a 16 inch pot use 1½ tsp. of mixture, for a 24 inch pot use 2¼ tsp. of mixture, etc.). Pot sizes below four inches should be placed together and treated as a larger, single unit. For the 25 million unit size: use ¼ tsp. of the mixture per every eight inches of pot diameter (i.e. for a 16 inch pot use ½ tsp. of mixture, for a 24 inch pot use ¾ tsp. of mixture, etc.). Pot sizes below eight inches should be placed together and treated as a larger, single unit.
General Coverage Information: The 10 million unit size: will treat approximately 200 to 600 square feet of combined pot/medium surface depending on infestation level. The 25 million unit size: will treat approximately 500 to 1500 square feet of combined pot/medium surface depending on infestation level. (See Detailed Rate Information above in box.)
Store the nematodes for no more than 3 months for best results. (The vermiculite product may be stored in its tub for up to 6 months.) High humidity will ensure a long storage life. If using a “frost-free” refrigerator for long- or max-term storage, or if the sponge(s) or carrier begins to dry out, remove the sponge-containing bag(s) or vermiculite-containing tub(s) once a month and add a few drops of distilled water to the sponges or spray distilled water into the bag(s) or tub(s). Place items immediately back into storage. Hold at 40-45°F (fridge best).
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Atheta coriaria
Release these beetles at sundown within a couple days of arrival, the sooner the better (please note storage requirements below). Water the medium or soil no sooner than ten minutes before releasing these mites and wait a couple of hours before watering after the release. To release, gently rotate the shaker canister to distribute the beetles evenly within the carrier. Next, open the bottle in the crop area and gently tap them out in one or two central locations onto the slightly damp growing medium or soil. These beetles may also be released onto dirt and gravel floors, around greenhouse weeds, under benches and ground covers, and any place fungus gnat and shore fly larvae and pupae or thrips’ pupae and pre-pupae may develop. Concentrate the beetles at central release points near the most heavily infested or most active breeding areas. Leave the bottle in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all beetles have exited. Do not store the beetles in the bottle for more than 4 days. Hold at a very humid 45-55°F. It is best to store the bottle on its side (this provides more surface area for the beetles within the confines of the unit).
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