Type of use

Curative

Targets

All thrips

Conditions of use

• Optimum temperature 14°C to 30°C/  55.5°F – 90°F
• Soil at field capacity or high humidity leaf application

Alternative hosts

• Sciarid flies
• Shore flies
• Leafminer
• Tuta absoluta

Information

Exhibitline Sf contains the insect pathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae as infective juvenile stages. It is used to control control thrips pupae and Bradysia sp. (Sciarid fly) larvae feeding in soil and growing medium. Similarly, it is also used for the control of Western Flower Thrips and Leafminers on ornamental plants and tomatoes. Exhibitline Sf can also be used as a pre-planting treatment for thrips in cut flowers such as chrysanthemums. These nematodes are harmless to the crop, humans, the environment and beneficial insects.

The nematodes move through the water films around soil particles and actively seek out the Sciarid fly larvae. After locating the insect larvae the nematodes invade through natural body openings and release bacteria into the insect. The bacteria develop and the insect dies of septicaemia. Under optimum conditions the insect may die within 12-24 hours. Use as a foliar spray for thrips and leafminer. The insects need to make contact with the nematodes by running through the droplets they are contained in; spray in the evening to ensure the maximum period of wetness is achieved

Rates

For soil application:

For foliar treatment:

• 1.25 billion per ha as a preventative treatment.
• 2.5 billion per ha as a curative treatment.
• Use at 7-day intervals. Apply in high spray volumes of >1000 l/ha to give uniform coverage.

Effectiveness can be improved by adding a wetting agent