Leatherjacket Treatment 1000m² - 10000m²

This leatherjacket killer is a biological leatherjacket treatment based on the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Leatherjackets in turf need a proactive, preventative approach: treating between mid-September and the end of October avoids both direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them the following spring and summer.

Key Features

• Contains the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae
• Biological control of leatherjackets (crane fly larvae) in turf
• Autumn applications target the two main UK crane fly species
• Can also be applied in spring against newly hatched larvae of the common crane fly, Tipula oleracea
• Larvae die within a few days of being infected

How It Works

Once applied, the nematodes actively seek out and penetrate their prey. They feed on the contents of the larva, releasing specific bacteria from their digestive tracts as they do so. These bacteria break the host tissue down into products the nematodes can readily take in, and the larvae die within a few days.

When to Apply

There are two application windows in the pest's life cycle:

• Window 1 (optimal control): mid-September until the end of October. This late summer/autumn window targets the pest early in its life cycle, when it is most susceptible, and covers the two main crane fly species in the UK. For best results apply to moist turf during this period.
• Window 2 (reduced control): May. Spring treatments work best from May, when newly hatched larvae of the common crane fly, Tipula oleracea, are present and soil temperatures are >12°C. By this time the larvae of the European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, will have grown to a stage at which any form of control is far less effective, so a higher application rate is needed in spring than in the autumn window.

How to Use

Application Rates

• Optimal control, Window 1 (mid-September, October): 1 pack per 500 square metres
• Reduced control, Window 2 (May): 1 pack per 250 square metres

The treatment can be applied once soil temperatures are >12°C, but Steinernema carpocapsae is more active at temperatures >14°C.

Preparing to Apply Nematodes

1. Order: arrange for the nematodes to arrive 1-2 weeks before the forecast application period so they can be applied in the best conditions. Aim to apply 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time.
2. Store: keep in a refrigerator at between 2-6°C.
3. Monitor: aim to apply 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time; apply when soil temperatures are at least 12°C (above 14°C further improves efficacy); apply in the morning, in the evening or on a cloudy day; and apply when rain is forecast.
4. Irrigate: apply 5-10 litres of water per m² the evening before treatment, then a further 5 litres per m² 1-2 hours before treatment.
5. Aerate: use a spiked roller to aerate the soil so the nematodes can move more quickly through the soil profile. It is important that the nematodes reach the soil as fast as possible; excessive thatch will hold this up.

Applying Nematodes

1. Equipment: remove all filters from the application equipment, checking the lance handle, the top hat filters at the nozzle and the filter bowls in the pipework after the pump. Use a suitable nozzle, i.e. a flat fan nozzle with a coarse droplet size. Make sure the sprayer is completely clean, then fill it with half the required amount of clean water.
2. Nematodes: empty the pack into a clean bucket holding 5 litres of water. Stir well and leave to soak for 20-30 seconds. Stir again and pour all of the solution into the spray tank through its sieve, then top up until the tank holds the required amount of solution.
3. Application: spray the nematode solution straight away onto the prepared surface at a maximum of 12 bar pressure. Apply with a penetrant wetting agent to help the nematodes pass into the soil profile.
4. Post application: irrigate immediately afterwards with at least 2-5 litres per m² to wash the nematodes into the soil, and keep the area moist for at least 2 weeks after application.

Specifications

• Active organism: Steinernema carpocapsae (nematode)
• Application windows: mid-September to end of October (optimal); May (reduced control)
• Minimum soil temperature: 12°C (more active above 14°C)
• Storage: refrigerated at 2-6°C
• Maximum spray pressure: 12 bar

Notes

Use within 3-4 weeks of receipt and keep refrigerated until use.