Beneficial Nematodes in the garden and orchard. - Ask Extension
My question is... Is it ok or recommended to use a "Triple Threat" beneficial nematode application (from Arbico Organics) across my whole ga...
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Beneficial Nematodes in the garden and orchard. #869680
Asked May 22, 2024, 7:13 PM EDT
My question is... Is it ok or recommended to use a "Triple Threat" beneficial nematode application (from Arbico Organics) across my whole garden and orchard as a preventive pest control for pests? Is there any worry about Nematodes not finding their prey (because we don't have the pest for them to consume) and then damaging crops? Do they all just die when they have consumed the prey target?
Tillamook County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
I looked up the product you were considering purchasing to see which nematodes were contained in the product. My concern isn't really whether they are going to hurt plants (since they don't feed on plants), but rather if they will be effective for you. Is there a specific pest you are looking to treat? Use of nematodes is complex - the soil moisture and temperature need to be pretty specific, also they are delicate and can die en route. Also, you would want to time the nematode application with the soil stage of a particular pest. Also, nematode applications often work best in a controlled environment, such as in a commercial greenhouse - this isn't to say they can't work outdoors, but as I mentioned with all the variables with the environment, success is more challenging.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions.
Thanks for using Ask Extension!
I looked up the product you were considering purchasing to see which nematodes were contained in the product. My concern isn't really whether they are going to hurt plants (since they don't feed on plants), but rather if they will be effective for you. Is there a specific pest you are looking to treat? Use of nematodes is complex - the soil moisture and temperature need to be pretty specific, also they are delicate and can die en route. Also, you would want to time the nematode application with the soil stage of a particular pest. Also, nematode applications often work best in a controlled environment, such as in a commercial greenhouse - this isn't to say they can't work outdoors, but as I mentioned with all the variables with the environment, success is more challenging.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions.
Thanks for using Ask Extension!
