Nematodes against
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF BLACK VINE WEEVIL
Otiorhynchus sulcatus
The black vine weevil belongs to the weevil family (lat. Curculionidae) and is a blackish beetle about 1 cm in size. The black vine weevil is light sensitive and nocturnal, during the day it usually hides under leaves, foliage and the like.
The black vine weevil is a common pest of more than 100 plant species such as yew, rhododendron, cherry laurel, and privet, as well as strawberries and roses. The main damage is caused by its larvae.
A black vine weevil cannot fly, but can run very far. This makes eradication virtually impossible. It can only be reduced to a tolerable level. Its spread often occurs through infected plant material. However, a single beetle can establish an entire new population.
LIFE CYCLE OF THE BLACK VINE WEEVIL
The black vine weevil lives one to three years and lays up to 1,000 eggs during this time. Development from egg through several larval stages and pupa to adult beetle takes 1 year. There are only females, and reproduction occurs by depositing unfertilized eggs in the soil or directly on the root collar of the plant. The hatching larvae then feed on the roots of the plants. Both beetles and larvae can overwinter, with the larvae having a better chance of survival.
The larvae are whitisch with a brown head and don't have any pairs of legs
DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE LARVAE
Dozens of black vine weevil larvae per plant often cause considerable feeding damage underground to the roots, which are fine at first but become firmer later in the year. They thus deprive the plant of water and nutrient supply. Without effective countermeasures, total plant failure is often the inevitable consequence. Infested plants wilt and die.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ADULT WEEVILS
The beetles feed on the leaf edges of plants. The leaf edges are frayed in a cove-like manner due to the beetle's feeding. Ornamental plants (e.g., rhododendron, yew, lilac, azalea, cotoneaster, ivy, privet, cherry laurel, roses) as well as strawberries, vines, and other soft fruits are damaged. Young plants are particularly at risk.
CONTROLLING BLACK VINE WEEVIL WITH NEMATODES
The nematode species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Heterorhabditis downesi specialize, among other things, on black vine weevil larvae and can use them for their own feeding and reproduction. Nematodes therefore represent a biological and effective solution for controlling weevils. The nematodes are supplied alive in a powder. For application, they should be mixed with water exactly according to the instructions and applied to the affected areas. The adult beetle can be controlled with nematop® weevilstop. A wooden trap filled with a gel containig nematodes.
WHEN TO APPLY NEMATODES AGAINST WEEVILS?
In spring, overwintering larvae, pupae and young beetles can be controlled with nematodes, and in autumn, newly hatched larvae. The beetles themselves can be caught with the weevil-stop trap from May to September.
nematop® contains nematodes of the species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for the biological control of weevil larvae and pupae. The ideal time to apply nematop® is when the soil temperature is above 12°C for at least 4 hours a day.
Application period: April/May and August/September.
Recommended dosage: 0.5 - 1 million per m².
If the soil temperature is still below 12°C, our product nemamax® can be used. nemamax® contains nematodes of the species Heterorhabditis downesi and can be used at soil temperatures as low as 8°C. This extends the season for controlling weevils and their larvae and prevents further damage.
Application period: February-April and September-November
Private users can order our products against weevils from our online shop. Professional users can purchase our nematodes from specialist retailers.
Please contact us for further information.
Contact
