The misconception that nematodes are complicated to use could not be further from the truth. Whilst the highly effective pest control system is thoroughly modern, and the process to grow the them take place in state of the art facilities, the use of them really is as simple as watering your garden!
Nematodes are micro-organisms which occur naturally in the soil where they hunt down and attack pests, with each nematode species having its own specific prey, meaning that they will harm their prey, and only their prey.
To use nematodes, all you do is select the appropriate product, mix with water and either pour from a watering can or spray onto the foliage and soil, depending on the variety. This process is repeated as required throughout the season, from the moment that the first signs of pests occur, and can be easily slotted into your regular watering routine. The only thing you need to remember is to keep the area well-watered throughout the season. There is no need to keep children or pets away from treated areas and the whole programme is entirely biological so all the Nemasys products can be used by organic gardeners.
Nemasys products include a control for slugs, leatherjackets, ants, vine weevils and chafer grubs, as well as a product containing number of different nematode species which will protect a fruit and vegetable garden from the wide range of pests that can be present there.
“Our products each work on the very simple format that the nematodes deliberately seek out their particular prey and kill them – simple as that,” says BASF’s Gavin Wood. “Treatment can continue throughout the growing season and when the pests have all been wiped out the level of nematodes in the soil will immediately drop back to the normal concentrations. When temperatures drop at the end of the season, the nematodes will naturally reduce in quantities until the soil warms up again.
“There is absolutely no fuss. The packs are kept in a refrigerator until they are used and can be safely stored alongside food and drinks without the remotest possibility of contamination,” says Gavin.
BASF has the largest specialist nematode production facility in the EU – and the only one in Britain - growing trillions of beneficial nematodes for use in their Nemasys range of pest controls.
