There are phytopathogenic nematodes, plant predators and entomopathogenic nematodes used to naturally get rid of many pests present in the vegetable garden.
How do plant predatory nematodes (phytopathogens) act?
Fearsome pests, plant-parasitic nematodes measure less than 1 millimeter long and are invisible to the naked eye.
Most of them
attack the roots
, more rarely the aerial parts of the plant.
They absorb nutrients from the plant, which becomes deformed and withers.
Plant parasitic nematodes are particularly fond of tomato roots and potato plants.
How to get rid of plant predatory nematodes?
One of the natural solutions to prevent the scourge of plant-pathogenic nematodes is to
rotate crops.
Also remember to disinfect your tools after each use.
Burn plants affected by nematodes.
Certain algae or plants such as marigolds release substances which harm the action of nematodes or even poison their eggs.
Marigolds help naturally fight harmful nematodes.
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What is the role of “useful” auxiliary nematodes?
Entomopathogenic nematodes, which eat insects, are used in the biological fight against pests, such as slugs or the larvae of wireworms, ants, caterpillars, etc. The principle?
The larvae infest pests by entering their body through different orifices.
The bacteria released causes the pest to die
within 24 to 48 hours.
For a few days, the larvae feed on the tissues of the corpse.
Other larvae then take over by attacking new prey located nearby.
Where to get gardener's beneficial nematodes?
While they were previously reserved for professional use, live nematodes are now available over the counter.
They are found in the form of
insecticide preparations in sachets
, where between 5 and 50 million larvae are brought together, to then be diluted in water.
Not all nematodes attack all pests.
Choose the
“mono-specific” species
, which will target the pest that is causing you harm.
For example, the nematodes
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
or
Steinernema feltiae
feed on chafer larvae, which devour roots or tubers.
However, some nematodes are multi-targeted.
When to treat nematodes?
If you decide to take this step, organize yourself to
take action on the day of your purchase
or without waiting too long, by placing the sachet in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
Check the expiration date on the package.
Avoid hot periods
and too sunny times of the day to carry out the treatment.
The soil temperature should be between 12 and 25°C.
Preserve the humidity of the soil for several weeks.
How to apply nematodes?
The first step consists of
diluting the nematodes in 5 liters of water
contained in a watering can, for example.
Mix well for a few minutes.
Add the necessary volume of water knowing that you need 1 liter of solution per m².
Pour the solution, then water with clear water to encourage the integration of nematodes into the soil.
If you prefer the sprayer to the watering can, allow 1 liter per 10 m².
Wait 10 days to benefit from the full effectiveness of this treatment.
Are nematodes dangerous for humans?
Helper nematodes are harmless to mammals
who would come and eat the corpse of the infested pest.
And they pose
no threat to human health
.