The harm from nematodes is expressed in the fact that they spoil the roots of cultivated plants grown in open beds and in greenhouses. Let's consider the capabilities of "Nematophagin", its composition, principle of action and purpose. How to use the nematicide according to the instructions, how to work with it safely, what drugs it is combined with, how and where to store the biological agent and what it can be replaced with.
Composition and dosage form
The active substance of the drug "Nematofagin" is a strain of predatory fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, which are natural enemies of nematodes. The product is produced by the Biotechnika company in liquid form in 1 liter bottles and in dry form - in bags of 10, 100, 250 g and boxes of 0.5 and 1 kg. Dry nematicide is intended for manual application, liquid nematicide is intended for drip irrigation systems.
Advantages and disadvantages
“Nematophagin” has the following advantages over similar agricultural products for the fight against nematodes, which are produced on the basis of synthetic substances:
- high level of extermination of cysts and pest larvae - over 86%;
- long-lasting protective effect – just 1 application per season is enough;
- non-toxic for people, animals, insects, soil, plants;
- can be used for soil cultivation when growing plants according to the organic farming scheme;
- used to improve soil health.
Disadvantages of Nematophagin: high cost and the need to use the product for at least 3 consecutive seasons to achieve a sustainable result.
Mechanism of action of "Nematophagin"
When Nematophagin gets into the soil, the fungi begin to grow mycelium with hyphae. Nematodes, attracted by the substances secreted by the fungus, adhere to the hyphae, which penetrate inside through the cuticle of the pests. After a day, the fungus completely absorbs the nematode organism.
Fungi can survive in the soil and on plant debris for a long time. During their life, they produce linoleic acid, which poisons nematodes. Fungi destroy not only larvae, but also dense, chemical-resistant cysts, which even the chemicals in synthetic pesticides cannot cope with.
Purpose of the product
Bioinsecticide "Nematofagin" has a systemic effect. Protects berry and vegetable crops, tree seedlings from root-knot and stem nematodes. When used on potatoes, it reduces the level of soil contamination by 52-70% and improves the marketability of tubers. When applied to strawberries, the number of nematodes found in the leaves decreases by 2-17 times, and the berries become larger by 5-17%. After treating the soil with the nematicide "Nematophagin", the appearance of flowers and ornamental crops improves. The drug is applied to the soil before sowing, when planting tubers or seedlings - into the hole.
Instructions for use
"Nematophagin", like many biological products, shows the highest effectiveness when used prophylactically. To obtain good results, it is recommended to apply it at a temperature not lower than 10 °C. But you can also apply the drug to the soil before winter for disinfection.
For potatoes, root crops, strawberries, ornamental shrubs and flowers, apply 5-10 liters of nematicide per 1 ha. For nightshades, cucumbers, garlic and onions – 10 liters per hectare. In case of heavy infestation – 15 liters per hectare in all cases. For soil preparation before planting and for application before winter - 10-15 liters per hectare. Soil sanitation with Nematophagin must be carried out every season.
It is important that the product gets into the soil and not onto its surface. The fungus develops successfully in the same conditions as plant roots. In addition, its effectiveness increases the more the closer it is to the roots.
The manufacturer indicates that the rate of use of Nematophagin can be increased if the degree of infection is high.A large amount of the drug in the soil does not harm it or plants; on the contrary, it has a positive effect on the development and growth of crops and more reliably protects roots from pests.
Safety precautions
"Nematofagin" is toxic to nematodes, but safe for insects, birds and people. You need to work with the product wearing a respirator and gloves. The respirator protects against inhalation of the drug, which in some cases can cause an allergic reaction. After work, you need to wash your hands and face with soap and rinse with water.
Interaction of means
You can combine “Nematofagin” with biological products and growth stimulants. Joint use not only does not worsen the effect of the drug, but enhances the overall effect of several drugs. Nematicide can be replaced with Agrovertin, a chemical with the same effect.
The nematicide solution must not be mixed with fungicides. If it is necessary to treat with pesticides, they should not be used simultaneously with the biological product, but after some time. The tank mixture must be used 8-10 hours after preparation; prepare it only just before use.
Storage conditions
“Nematophagin” is stored for six months at a temperature of 5 to 30 ˚C. Storage is possible both at higher temperatures and at sub-zero temperatures, but only for a short time. Other storage conditions are a dry, ventilated and moderately lit room. Store bionematicide separately from synthetic pesticides.
If the liquid is accidentally spilled, there is no need to neutralize it. Bottles with the drug diluted in water may swell due to the fact that the fungus develops and releases substances during its life processes. After the expiration date, the product must be checked for the viability of the fungus. If its level is insufficient, the use of the drug is not recommended.It is better to buy fresh, in which the mushrooms will be more active.
What can be replaced
You can replace the nematicide with biological products against the nematode “Nematodos”, “Mikorad NEMATO”, “Nemabakt”. They contain other types of fungi or bacteria, the effect on pests is different, but all lead to their destruction. All biological products are safe for humans and soil and are approved for household use.
"Nematofagin" is considered one of the most effective drugs against nematode larvae and cysts. Protects vegetable, berry, fruit, ornamental and flower crops. The effectiveness of the product has been confirmed by tests in laboratory conditions and in the fields in various climatic zones. The biological product does not cause resistance in nematodes, does not pollute the earth with toxic substances and does not have a negative effect on beneficial organisms. Effectively cleans the soil from pest larvae and eggs, reliably protected by cysts.
With systematic application for several years in a row, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of pests in the soil, clean it and make it suitable for growing any crops. The product can be applied manually and is also suitable for use in drip irrigation systems. Despite the high cost of the drug, its application is justified by better plant development, increased productivity and improved quality and quantity of fruits.
