Steinernema carpocapsae

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:

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.