Beneficial nematodes achieve 80% mortality in pepper caterpillar

Using Capsanem's entomopathogenic nematodes has proved particularly effective in the biological fight against the pepper caterpillar (Spodoptera exigua), one of the pepper pests that has caused the most problems in recent years to growers, both in greenhouse and outdoor crops. The Koppert R&D department has confirmed in the field that Capsanem's entomopathogenic nematodes, which belong to the species Steinernema carpocapsae, achieve a mortality rate of 80% in the populations of Spodoptera exigua.

This high success rate is due to the unique behavior of these beneficial nematodes, which penetrate into the caterpillars through any of their holes, colonize them and infect them with a deadly bacterium that convert the caterpillar’s 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. When the caterpillar's body is completely consumed, the nematodes leave it and locate another caterpillar to repeat the same process.

Foliar application

Another advantage of Capsanem is its easy foliar application using any standard spraying equipment. To optimize the treatment, it is important to apply it with enough water to ensure a uniform wetting of the leaves and to make sure that the entire plant is sprayed. It is recommended to make the application late in the day, at sunset.

The application of Capsanem is particularly recommended for the biological control of larvae in any of their stages of development and is compatible with natural enemies and other means of defense. A dosage of 1.5 to 2 million nematodes/liter is recommended, and producers growers can use 500 to 1,500 liters per hectare.

Capsanem is effective against a wide range of lepidopteran caterpillars (Spodoptera littoralis, Helicoverpa armígera, Autographa gamma, Chrysodeixis chalcites, Tuta absoluta, etc.). It is a completely safe product, leaves no residue, pests cannot develop resistance against nematodes, and is authorized for use in organic farming.

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Contact: Joyce Wang (joyce@agropages.com)