With nemycel® you successfully and organically control the larvae of Sciarid flies. This technology for over 25 years is widely used by mushroom farms in Germany, as well Netherlands and other countries – that is why banning of prochloraz, and other chemical substances does not really bothers lots of mushroom farmers there. nemycel is fully organic and permitted tool which can stop your worrying about annoying flies during harvest or fungal diseases transmitted by adult flies. The producer – German company e-nema.
nemycel contains the insect pathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae. Nematodes are roundworms that are natural enemies of Sciarid fly larvae and completely harmless for humans and the environment. The carrier material of nemycel can be easily dissolved in water and applied via watering. After application, the nematodes penetrate the larva through body openings and release a symbiotic bacterium. The bacteria multiply in the larva and kill them within a few hours. In addition, the nematodes feed on the bacteria and reproduce in large numbers. Within 2 weeks the new generation of nematodes emerge from the dead larva and attack the next larva.
How to apply nemycel?
Mix the nematode powder in a water barrel and pour it evenly over the compost using the sprinkler system or by hand. The nematodes are most effective when the water content in the substrate soil is 60-70%.
When to apply nemycel?
The most crucial factor for a successful control of the Sciarid fly is the application timing, which is based on the life cycle of the Sciarid fly. For a successful treatment there must be larvae in the substrate at the time of application. Eggs are laid when the compost is filled and first larvae appear after 5 days. Therefore, apply as late as possible, i.e. with last watering. Splitting the full dose over two application dates a few days apart is advantageous and leads to better results.
What is the difference in applying nemycel for Phase II and Phase III farms?
Sciarid eggs develop into new adults within three weeks. During the first 5 days of this cycle, nematodes cannot enter, because the larvae are too small. And during last 5 days of this cycle, nematodes cannot enter, because the larvae have transformed into pupae. Out of 20 days of development time, nematodes can only enter during 10 days. What does this mean for the application timing?
On a Phase II farm eggs are laid in the freshly spawned compost. At casing these eggs have developed into mature larvae close to pupation. A small dose of 1 million nemycel per m2 at casing comes at the right moment and will produce fresh nematodes through recycling within 10 days. However, new flies come in at casing and lay eggs again. A second application with last watering at a rate of 1-2 million per m2 is necessary because the nematodes must survive a few days until the larvae are large enough to enter.
On a Phase III farm we consider the compost to be free of sciarids. At casing flies enter the tunnels and lay eggs and 5 days later larvae are large enough for the nematodes to enter. That is when our 10 day window of application starts. Growers who do not water any more at this time have two options:
- First, follow the recommendation for Phase II farms but apply nemycel at the rate of 1.5 million per m2 at each application. This ensures that a sufficient number of nematodes survive into the effective period. Never apply less than 1 million per m2 per single dose, this would not be effective.
- Secondly or alternatively, apply a full dose of 2 million per m2 right in the application window between day 10 and day 15 after casing. Use as little water as possible, 1 litre per m2 or less, just enough to get nemycel evenly distributed over the casing. With this application the larvae are targeted when they are most susceptible. Nematodes that multiply in these larvae will protect the crop through the second and third flush as well.
Are my watering openings` diameter suits to apply nemycel?
The nematodes in nemycel are small, but larger than you may think, notably 0.6 mm in length. To avoid stressing them, all watering openings where they shall pass through, must have a width of at least 0.8 mm. Filters and sieves can block nemycel and thus should be removed prior to application.
How I see the result?
Infected insects color whitish-yellow. The first larvae die 1 day after application. Trial results from research stations in the Netherlands, Hungary, France and Belgium show reductions in sciarid numbers up to 80 %. Development of resistance is not expected.
About e-nema
German producer e-nema produces and supplies nemycel – the nematodes – since 1997 year. The company was founded by researchers-innovators of Kiel University – Professor Ralf-Udo Ehlers, Dr Arne Peters and Tillmann Frank. Now mushroom producers worldwide know e-nema by faces of Michael Barth and Ulrich Tiemann who consults on application and helps with deliveries.
Ulrich Tiemann
e-nema GmbH
T +49 4307 8295 154
M +49 160 5840 127
u.tiemann@e-nema.de
More info is on e-nema website https://www.e-nema.de/en/nematodes/professionals/application-areas/mushrooms/
