Entonem can be used for biological control of various insect pests in protected crops and urban green. It is effective at low temperatures, thus can also be applied in colder parts of the season.
 
Target pests:
 
Fly larvae (Diptera): Sciarid flies (Lycoriella spp., Bradysia spp.); Shore flies (Scatella spp.); Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.) 
 
Thrips (Thysanoptera) pupae and larvae: a.o. Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) 
 
Weevil larvae (Coleoptera): Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); Other weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.)
 
Caterpillars (Lepidoptera): Tomato leaf miner moth (Tuta absoluta); Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea); Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina); Noctuidae: Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.); Cotton bollworm (Spodoptera littoralis); Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea); Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites); cutworms (Agrotis spp.); Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma) 
 
Bugs (Hemiptera): Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata)
 
Product specifications:
 
Pack size
50 million - 1 sachet of 50 million in a box.
500 million - 2 sachets of 250 million in a box.
2,500 million - 10 sachets of 250 million in a box.
Developmental stage
Infective third-stage larvae (L3).
Concentration
86% Steinernema feltiae – 14% inert biodegradable carrier.
 
Mode of action:
 
The nematodes enter the pest and release symbiotic bacteria into the pest's body cavity. These bacteria convert the host tissue into a food source, on which nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce inside the host. This kills the pest within a few hours to days after infection.
 
Visual effect:
 
Infected pest insects in the root zone turn yellow to brown but may be difficult to find, due to rapid degradation. Infected foliar pests simply fall to the ground. (See Entonem in action: https://youtu.be/pMSiAIOZYy4 )
 
Storage time after receipt:
 
See expiry date on the box. On average product can be stored for 2-3 months.
Storage temperature
Refrigerate at a temperature of 2-6°C/35-43°F in a ventilated refrigerator/cold room.
Storage conditions
Upon receipt, take boxes out of the insulating shipment packaging. Keep in a dark, ventilated refrigerator/cold room until use.
 
Directions for use
Preparation
Remove the sachets from the box and keep them at room temperature for 30 minutes
Empty the contents of the sachets into a bucket containing at least 2 litres of water per sachet (water temperature: 15-20°C/59-68°F)
Stir well and leave the contents to soak for five minutes
Stir again and pour the contents of the bucket into the half-filled spray tank (except when tank mixing with a compatible product)
Maintain agitation of mixture in the tank (e.g. with a recirculation pump)
Fill the spray tank with the required amount of water
If tank mixing with a compatible product, add Entonem at the end to a fully filled tank
Apply directly after preparation of spray solution
Application
Nematodes can be applied using a watering can, an airblast sprayer, through a sprinkler system, with a backpack sprayer, or a vehicle-mounted spray unit
To avoid blockage, all filters should be removed, especially if finer than 0.3 mm (50 mesh)
Use a maximum pressure of 20 bar/290 psi (on nozzle)
The spray nozzle opening should be at least 0.5 mm (500 microns – 35 mesh) - preferably high flow rate cone nozzle types
Continuous mixing should take place to prevent nematodes sinking to the bottom of the spray tank
Avoid sprayers equipped with centrifugal or piston pumps
Water tank temperature must not exceed 25°C/77°F and pH must be between 4 and 8
Distribute the spraying solution evenly over the soil/medium surface
Application through irrigation systems:
Pressure-compensated irrigation systems are recommended. If not available, spray or drench applications are recommended. For injection through Dosatron/Venturi systems, please contact your local Koppert representative for specific advice
Spray the solution as soon as it is prepared and within a short timeframe (5 hours). Do not store mixed suspensions
 
Dosage
Entonem is typically applied at a rate of 250,000 to 500,000 nematodes per m² for soil application and 1 to 3 million nematodes per litre for foliar applications (application to run off). Always check the product label for more information.
Timing
Timing and frequency depend on the pest species and the crop environment (relative humidity, soil moisture and temperature). Consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.
Environmental conditions
Steinernema feltiae performs best at temperatures between 14-26°C/57-79°F
Soil or air temperature below 5°C/41°F and above 35°C/95°F can be lethal
Nematodes are susceptible to ultraviolet light (UV): do not use them in direct sunlight
The moisture content of the soil must be kept high for several days after application. When possible, irrigate the crop before and right after application
For foliar application, spray Entonem when relative humidity will exceed 75% for several hours after the treatment
Adding an adjuvant and/or an anti-desiccant/humectant can be beneficial. Ask your Koppert representative/distributor for more information
Spray in the evening (or morning in some cases) allowing nematodes to work for several hours within the optimal range of temperature and humidity, as described above
 
Side Effects & Compatibility
 
 
Pesticides can have (in)direct effects on biological solutions
As a general rule for tank mixing, always add the nematodes to a fully filled tank containing the compatible product
The product is safe for most beneficial insects and mites, but can have some effect on a few when in direct contact with foliar applied nematodes
 
"The general conditions of Koppert (Koppert B.V. and/or of its affiliated companies) apply. Only use products that are permitted in your country/state and crop. Check local registration requirements. Koppert cannot be held liable for unauthorized use. Koppert is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions."