Combating cutworms with nematodes

Cutworms: What are they and how do you control them effectively?

Cutworms are larvae of various species of moths, including thewinter owlsandowl caterpillars(family Noctuidae). These larvae live in the soil and cause damage by eating the roots of plants. Because they are in the soil, they are often difficult to see, and the damage they cause may initially go unnoticed.

Characteristics of cutworms:

• Appearance: Cutworms are often plump, cylindrical caterpillars, ranging from light to dark brown. They can grow to 3 to 5 cm long.
• Lifestyle: During the day they stay in the soil and at night they come out to eat.
• Food source: They feed mainly on young roots, stems and leaves of plants. Sometimes they also gnaw on the underside of the stem near the soil surface.

Fortunately, cutworms can be easily controlled with the help of nematodes.

How do you recognize damage caused by cutworms?

Cutworms mainly cause damage byroot damage. They gnaw at the roots of plants, which leads to weakening and in some cases even to the death of the plant. These are the most common forms of damage:

• Root damage:Cutworms gnaw at the roots, which reduces the plants' ability to absorb nutrients and water. This results in poor growth, wilting and eventually death of the plant.
• Crop damage:In agriculture, cutworms can cause yield losses in crops such as corn, potatoes and other vegetables. The larvae damage the roots, which can lead to lower yields or even complete crop failure.
• Grass field damage:On lawns, sports fields and golf courses, cutworms cause bare, brown patches in the grass. This not only gives an unkempt appearance, but also weakens the turf, making it less resistant to intensive use.

Indirect damage and additional risks

When plants are weakened by the feeding of cutworms, they become more susceptible toother pestsanddiseases. In addition, the damage caused by cutworms can lead to secondary damage, such as birds and other animals turning over the soil in search of the larvae. This further increases the damage to lawns and crops.

Combating cutworms: Choose a natural approach

One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to control cutworms is to usenematodes. Nematodes are microscopic nematodes that penetrate the cutworm and kill it from the inside. This biological control has many advantages:

• Environmentally friendly:Nematodes specifically target cutworms without harming other beneficial organisms in the garden.
• Effective and sustainable:Under the right conditions, nematodes can reduce up to 95% of the young cutworm population.
• Safe for humans and animals:This method is completely safe for pets, children and other animals in the garden.

When to use nematodes against cutworms?

The best time to use nematodes against cutworms is when the larvae are still young (smaller than 2 cm), usually in late spring or early summer. Nematodes of the species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora are most effective in this. The effectiveness decreases with larger cutworms, so timely intervention is crucial for successful control. Make sure that the soil remains moist after applying the nematodes, so that they can spread well and do their work.

With the right approach, you can combat cutworms effectively and sustainably, without disrupting the ecological balance of your garden.Order nematodes against cutworms todayand prevent further damage to your plants and lawn!