Nematodes for
corn cultivation

CONTROL OF WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM WITH DIANEM®

The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) was introduced from North America in 1992 and has been spreading inexorably in Europe ever since. In the USA, it causes billions of dollars worth of damage every year. This is caused on the one hand by the larvae eating the roots and on the other hand by the beetles eating the threads of the corn cob. The result: reduced yields.

The product dianem® is based on beneficial nematodes and can be used effectively for biological control of western corn rootworm.

WHAT IS DIANEM®?

dianem® contains entomopathogenic nematodes of the species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. This nematode is a natural enemy of the corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera). Entomopathogenic nematodes do not require registration in Germany, France and many other EU countries and are registered as plant protection products in Hungary and Austria (Pfl.Reg.No.: 3318).

EFFECT OF DIANEM®

The efficacy of dianem® has been shown to be higher than or equivalent to that of chemical insecticides. Long-term trials and practical experience indicate an efficacy of 60–80% when beneficial nematodes are used.

Following the application of nematodes (dianem®) to seed and grain maize fields in 2021, there were 4 times (calendar week 34) to 15 times (calendar week 33) fewer beetles on the fields than without nematode treatment.

Overall, this reduced beetle numbers in seed and grain maize by a factor of 3.5.

In 16 field trials conducted in Austria (AGES) and Hungary (CABI) between 2009 and 2018, the average number of corn rootworms was reduced by 68%.

Long-lasting effect

Once released, the insect-pathogenic nematodes actively seek out the larvae and pupae of the corn rootworm and penetrate them. Once inside the pest, they release bacteria that kill the insects within one to two days. The nematodes feed on the pest’s carcass and reproduce. The new nematodes leave the carcass and set out in search of further pests.

This continuous reproduction and the resulting build-up of the nematode population ensures a long-lasting effect in the soil.

WHEN CAN DIANEM® BE USED?

dianem® can be applied from the time the maize is sown until around the end of June.

HOW IS DIANEM® APPLIED?

The highest levels of efficacy are achieved through application using the Cultan/injection method. However, application using a field sprayer—ideally via band spraying—is also possible. This does, however, require a higher application rate and volume of water.

Please feel free to contact us for further information.

Application is possible as early as during maize sowing at a depth of approx. 10 cm; in dry weather, this ensures good capillary action and thus better survival of the beneficial nematodes.

The application rate is 1 billion nematodes per hectare. These are applied with approximately 200 litres of water.

In principle, any Cultan/injection technique is suitable for applying the beneficial nematodes.

APPLICATION DURING SOWING

Application during maize sowing is also possible. The insect-pathogenic nematodes can survive in the soil for up to 6 weeks in the absence of corn rootworm larvae. As part of field trials, special injectors were developed by Cult-tec at the time.

The Liq-Inject® is positioned behind the press roller; the nematode solution is dispensed into the open seed furrow, directly onto the pressed seed. The press roller ensures good capillary contact.