Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes
Steinernema carpocapsae is a species of beneficial nematode commonly used in biological pest control. These microscopic roundworms are parasitic and are known for their effectiveness in controlling a variety of pests. Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes infect their hosts by entering through natural openings. Once inside the host, they release symbiotic bacteria that kill the host within a few days. This species is particularly effective against insect pests such as caterpillars, grubs, beetle larvae, and fly larvae. Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes are often applied to the soil or sprayed onto plant foliage as a biological control method, offering a natural and environmentally friendly approach to pest management in agriculture and horticulture.
Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes for pest control
The beneficial nematode Steinernema carpocapsae controls a variety of pests in horticulture and agriculture, including:
-
Beetle larvae (incl. grubs)
Beetle larvae (incl. grubs)
- Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
- Flatheaded woodborer (Capnodis tenebrionis)
- Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)
- Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)
- South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum)
- Wireworms/Click beetles (Agriotes spp.)
-
Caterpillars
Caterpillars
- Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.)
- Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis)
- Corn earworm (Helicoverpa spp.)
- Cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis)
- Cranberry girdler (Crambus hortuellus)
- Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
- Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma)
- South American palm borer (Paysandisia archon)
- Southern European marshland pyralid (Duponchelia fovealis)
- Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta)
- Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)
-
Flies
Flies
- Crane flies/leatherjackets (Tipula spp.)
- Shore flies (Scatella spp.)
-
Bugs
Bugs
- Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata)
- Tomato bug (Nesidiocoris tenuis)
-
Mole crickets
Mole crickets
- Mole crickets (Gryllotalpa spp.)
How do Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes work?
Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes control pests through a process called parasitism. When applied to the soil or sprayed onto plant foliage, these microscopic roundworms actively seek out their target pests. Once they locate a suitable host, Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes penetrate the pest's body through natural openings.
Once inside the pest, the nematodes release symbiotic bacteria, typically of the genus Xenorhabdus, which quickly multiply and cause septicemia, ultimately killing the host within a few days. The nematodes then feed and reproduce within the cadaver of the dead host, resulting in the emergence of a new generation of nematodes that can continue to seek out and infect other pests in the area.
In this way, Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes effectively control pests by parasitizing and killing them, providing a natural and environmentally friendly method of pest management in agriculture and horticulture.