Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Steinernema feltiae
Fungus Gnat/Root Knot Exterminator

Target Pests:
Fly pests known collectively as "fungus gnats". Plant parasitic nematodes, particularly those of the Root knot group. Humpbacked flies, Fruit flies, Raspberry crown borer, Leaf miners, Cabbage maggot, Cucumber beetles, Shore flies, Black cutworm, Tobacco cutworm, White grubs, Beet armyworm, Onion maggot, Subterranean Termite and more.

Description:
Steinernema feltiae is a specially selected beneficial insect parasitic nematode. Our isolates have been developed to be the best available in the industry.

Product Information:
Steinernema feltiae is packaged on a sponge without dehydration and without the use of unacceptable solvents, preservatives, or inhibitors making this product suitable for use in organic and conventional gardening and farming. The sponge formulation has the advantage that the nematodes can be easily removed from the sponge into water and applied using a conventional garden sprayer, a watering can, a hose-end sprayer, or introduced through closed irrigation systems (not soaker hoses). Also, pieces of the sponge containing nematodes can be placed on floating root mats of aquatic plants growing in water, gardens, and ponds to control damaging fungus gnats. We also pack our nematodes in small plastic injectors that can be used to inject nematodes into bore holes made by wood and stem boring insects, into flower pots and other indoor plant containers. Our nematodes are produced in natural insect hosts with no artificial media. The nematodes and formulations we use meet organic standards making them suitable for use in organic gardening and farming.

Release Rates:
300 square feet of planted area - 5 million or 1 injector for 10 - 12 six inch sites.

Lifespan:
The nematode enters the host and kills it within 24 to 48 hours. It then reproduces within the hose and searches for new hosts. This hunt and seek cycle provides long-term control.

Strategic Considerations:
Pesticides may adversely affect nematode survival. Broad-spectrum insecticides are toxic to nematodes.