Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is one of the most important beneficial, insect-disease-causing or entomopathogenic nematodes. This particular roundworm species is a highly successful and versatile predator of insect pests, including many that plague lawns and gardens.

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is cruiser: a mobile predator that ranges through the top 20 cm/7.5" of soil. It is aggressive, and very effective against many deeper-dwelling larvae. However, it is definitely a warm-weather nematode: it loses effectiveness with soil temperatures under 21C/70F.

This nematode is most useful against various chafers, cucumber beetles, Japanese beetles, June beetles and May beetles, and root weevils, though it can also be effective against armyworms, earworms, rootworms, various moths, many other beetles and weevils, etc. Commercial preparations that combine it with the surface-raiding Steinernema carpocapsae are especially effective against lawn-killing grub infestations.

See the section on nematodes for more general information, including usage and application principles.

 

See Also Nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae

Related Topics Soil Nematodes

 
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