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Steinernema feltiae as a natural enemy

The Steinernema feltiae nematode, known as S. feltiae, is a beneficial organism that acts as a natural enemy to pests such as thrips, caterpillars, sciarid flies, and leatherjackets. As an entomopathogenic nematode, S. feltiae relies on a symbiotic relationship with bacteria to seek out and attack its prey. Its predatory abilities make it a valuable biological control agent for pest management in horticulture.
steinerma-felitiae
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | June 26,  2023 | 4 min. reading time

What is Steinernema feltiae?

Steinernema feltiae is an insect parasitic nematode. These nematodes have a unique hunting method: they actively search for their prey, usually insect larvae, by following chemical and temperature signals. When they find a potential host, they enter the insect's body and release bacteria from their gut. These bacteria play a vital role in the nematode's hunting success as they rapidly multiply and produce toxins, which immobilize and eventually kill the prey. This Steinernema feltiae is a natural enemy for pests.
View the video above about Steinernema feltiae against thrips.   

What infestations can be treated with Steinernema feltiae?

Steinernema feltiae is a natural enemy against:
  • Sciarid fly
  • Thrips
  • Caterpillars
  • Leatherjackets

Steinernema feltiae packaging

Steinernema feltiae is available as Nemasys F and NEMAcontrol feltiae in various packaging units.  

Steinernema feltiae application

Ensure humid conditions. Steinernema feltiae works best at a (soil) temperature of between 10 and 30°C. The nematodes can be sprayed on or applied in pouring water. For best results, it is important to locate the nematodes where the pest is located. Steinernema feltiae can be applied both as a leaf- and a soil treatment. When using a leaf treatment, ensure optimal leaf cover but avoid dripping. For leaf application, maintain a wet leaf period of at least 2 hours. For soil application over the crop, immediately sprinkle with water to get the nematodes down into the upper part of the top layer. When applying to soil, make sure that the nematodes end up in the upper part of the top layer. Apply the nematodes in the morning or evening hours to avoid direct sunlight, so that the crop or soil remains moist for as long as possible. The nematodes are very lively and active in a damp soil for no less than six weeks.

Step by step plan: How to apply Steinernema feltiae?

  • Application can be done with standard spraying equipment; 
  • Remove all filters that are smaller than 0.3 mm (300 micron);
  • Pump pressure should not exceed 20 bar/2000 kPa; 
  • Use a spray nozzle of 0.5 mm (500 micron) or bigger;
  • Empty the contents of the packet into a bucket of 10 L of lukewarm water (18 °C) and thoroughly mix in the contents;
  • Always use a complete packet in one go; 
  • Fill the spray container or spray tank with water to three quarters and add the nematode solution to this; 
  • Fill the up the spray container or spray tank with the required amount of water; 
  • Apply the nematode solution immediately after preparing the solution; 
  • During the application process, keep stirring the spray solution to prevent the nematodes from sinking to the bottom; 
  • Nematodes can be used together with various plant protection products. Refer to more information about tank mixes. For more information, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and contact the crop protection specialist.

Storage of Steinernema feltiae

Check the product for deviations upon receipt and report any complaints or comments within 24 hours. Preferably, use the product immediately. If storage is required this product must be stored in the dark at a temperature of 2-5 °C. Remove the (outer box/cardboard) packaging and ensure proper air circulation around the small trays. Do not store any damaged packages. Read the protocols for quality control of nematodes.

Please note: The spraying solution containing nematodes must not be kept!
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Also interesting for you

Steinernema feltiae as a natural enemy

The Steinernema feltiae nematode, known as S. feltiae, is a beneficial organism that acts as a natural enemy to pests such as thrips, caterpillars, sciarid flies, and leatherjackets. As an entomopathogenic nematode, S. feltiae relies on a symbiotic relationship with bacteria to seek out and attack its prey. Its predatory abilities make it a valuable biological control agent for pest management in horticulture.
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Kevin van Kester
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | June 26,  2023 | 4 min. reading time
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Steinerma Felitiae
Topics in this article

What is Steinernema feltiae?

Steinernema feltiae is an insect parasitic nematode. These nematodes have a unique hunting method: they actively search for their prey, usually insect larvae, by following chemical and temperature signals. When they find a potential host, they enter the insect's body and release bacteria from their gut. These bacteria play a vital role in the nematode's hunting success as they rapidly multiply and produce toxins, which immobilize and eventually kill the prey. This Steinernema feltiae is a natural enemy for pests.
View the video above about Steinernema feltiae against thrips.   

What infestations can be treated with Steinernema feltiae?

Steinernema feltiae is a natural enemy against:
  • Sciarid fly
  • Thrips
  • Caterpillars
  • Leatherjackets

Steinernema feltiae packaging

The packaging consists of a plastic tray containing 50 million or 250 million parasitic nematodes. NEMAcontrol F and Nemasys F are also available in bulk packaging with 5 trays with 250 million nematodes. Content per tray: 90% parasitic nematodes, 10% inert ingredients and water.

Steinernema feltiae application

Ensure humid conditions. Steinernema feltiae works best at a (soil) temperature of between 10 and 30°C. The nematodes can be sprayed on or applied in pouring water. For best results, it is important to locate the nematodes where the pest is located. Steinernema feltiae can be applied both as a leaf- and a soil treatment. When using a leaf treatment, ensure optimal leaf cover but avoid dripping. For leaf application, maintain a wet leaf period of at least 2 hours. For soil application over the crop, immediately sprinkle with water to get the nematodes down into the upper part of the top layer. When applying to soil, make sure that the nematodes end up in the upper part of the top layer. Apply the nematodes in the morning or evening hours to avoid direct sunlight, so that the crop or soil remains moist for as long as possible. The nematodes are very lively and active in a damp soil for no less than six weeks.

Step by step plan: How to apply Steinernema feltiae?

  • Application can be done with standard spraying equipment; 
  • Remove all filters that are smaller than 0.3 mm (300 micron);
  • Pump pressure should not exceed 20 bar/2000 kPa; 
  • Use a spray nozzle of 0.5 mm (500 micron) or bigger;
  • Empty the contents of the packet into a bucket of 10 L of lukewarm water (18 °C) and thoroughly mix in the contents;
  • Always use a complete packet in one go; 
  • Fill the spray container or spray tank with water to three quarters and add the nematode solution to this; 
  • Fill the up the spray container or spray tank with the required amount of water; 
  • Apply the nematode solution immediately after preparing the solution; 
  • During the application process, keep stirring the spray solution to prevent the nematodes from sinking to the bottom; 
  • Nematodes can be used together with various plant protection products. Refer to more information about tank mixes. For more information, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and contact the crop protection specialist.

Storage of Steinernema feltiae

Check the product for deviations upon receipt and report any complaints or comments within 24 hours. Preferably, use the product immediately. If storage is required this product must be stored in the dark at a temperature of 2-5 °C. Remove the (outer box/cardboard) packaging and ensure proper air circulation around the small trays. Do not store any damaged packages. Read the protocols for quality control of nematodes. 

Please note: The spraying solution containing nematodes must not be kept!
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Kevin van Kester will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Kevin van Kester Productspecialist Quality Controller
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