Koppert Larvanem (50 Million Sachet)

Laevanem (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora; Entomopathogenic nematodes)

For the control of weevils and other beetles in a wide range of crops

Can be applied with regular spray equipment

Highly soluble biodegradable formulation

Use Larvanem for:

Larvanem can be used for biological control of larvae of weevils and other beetles in a wide range of crops.

Product specifications:

• 50 million - 1 sachet of 50 million in a box

• Concentration: 86% Heterorhabditis bacteriophora – 14% inert biodegradable carrier

• Each box contains entomopathogenic nematodes in an inert carrier material

When to use Larvanem?

Larvanem can be used for biological control of larvae of weevils and other beetles in a wide range of crops.

Beetles (Coleoptera):

• Weevils (Curculionidae): Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and other Otiorhynchus spp.

• White grubs (Scarabaeidae): European chafer (Amphimallon majale); Summer chafer/June beetle (Amphimallon solstitialis); Amphimallon aestivus; Common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha); Common garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola); Phyllophaga spp.; Welsh chafer (Hoplia philanthus) and other Hoplia spp.; Japanese beetle (Popilia japonica); Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis); Asiatic garden beetle (Autoserica castanea); Dune chafer (Anomala dubia); Brown chafer (Serica brunnea); Anoxia villosa

• Dung beetles (Aphodius spp.)

• Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae): Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)

Caterpillars (Lepidoptera):

• Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina)

How does Larvanem work?

The nematodes enter the pest and release symbiotic bacteria into the pest's body cavity. These bacteria convert the host tissue into a food source, on which nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce inside the host. This kills the pest within a few hours to days after infection. The Infected host turns red-brown but may be difficult to find, due to rapid degradation in the growing media.

How to use Larvanem?

Preparation

• Remove the sachets from the box and keep them at room temperature for 30 minutes

• Empty the contents of the sachets into a bucket containing at least 2 litres of water per sachet (water temperature: 15-20°C/59-68°F

• Stir well and leave the contents to soak for five minutes

• Stir again and pour the contents of the bucket into the half-filled spray tank (except when tank mixing with a compatible product)

• Maintain agitation of mixture in the tank (e.g. with a recirculation pump)

• Fill the spray tank with the required amount of water

• If tank mixing with a compatible product, add Larvanem at the end to a fully filled tank

• Apply directly after preparation of spray solution

Application

• Nematodes can be applied using a watering can, an airblast sprayer, through a sprinkler system, with a backpack sprayer, or a vehicle-mounted spray unit

• To avoid blockage, all filters should be removed, especially if finer than 0.3 mm (50 mesh)

• Use a maximum pressure of 20 bar/290 psi (on nozzle)

• The spray nozzle opening should be at least 0.5 mm (500 microns – 35 mesh) - preferably high flow rate cone nozzle types

• Continuous mixing should take place to prevent nematodes sinking to the bottom of the spray tank

• Avoid sprayers equipped with centrifugal or piston pumps

• Water tank temperature must not exceed 25°C/77°F and pH must be between 4 and 8

• Distribute the spraying solution evenly over the soil/media surface

Application through irrigation systems

• Pressure-compensated irrigation systems are recommended. If not available, spray or drench applications are recommended. For injection through Dosatron/Venturi systems, please contact us for specific advice

• Spray the solution as soon as it is prepared and within a short timeframe. Do not store mixed suspensions

Dosage

Larvanem is typically applied at a rate of 250,000 to 500,000 nematodes per m² (2.5 to 5 billion/ha). See the website for more information.

Best working conditions for Larvanem

• Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is active between 16-35°C/61-95°F but performs best at temperatures between 19-33°C/66-91°F

• Soil temperature below 5°C/41°F and above 35°C/95°F can be lethal

• Nematodes are susceptible to ultraviolet light (UV): do not use them in direct sunlight

• The moisture content of the soil must be kept high for several days after application. When possible, irrigate the crop before and right after application

• Adding an adjuvant and/or an anti-desiccant/humectant can be beneficial. Ask your Koppert representative/distributor for more information

• Spray in the evening (or morning in some cases) allowing nematodes to work for several hours within the optimal range of temperature and humidity, as described above

Product Handling

• Storage time after receipt: See expiry date on the box. On average product can be stored for 6 weeks

• Storage temperature: Refrigerate at a temperature of 2-6°C/35-43°F in a ventilated refrigerator/cold room

• Storage conditions: Upon receipt, take boxes out of the insulating shipment packaging. Keep in dark, ventilated refrigerator/cold room until use