Seeka - The Nematode Range from ICL

NEW FROM ICL

The nematode range from ICL Professional Horticulture Powerful biological control for Fungus Gnat Larvae

Vine Weevil Larvae

is a range of beneficial nematodes, powered by BASF technology, which helps ornamental growers reduce the risk of damage from pests which feed on their plants. Targeting specific pests such as vine weevil and fungus gnats, ICL’s Seeka looks to supplement our chemical portfolio providing growers with a one stop shop for all their plant protection needs, when it comes to these pests.

The ICL Difference When you buy ICL products, you also receive quality advice and support from ICL’s technical experts both in person and online. We aim to provide customers with the ‘best in class’ advice and support to help maximise plant quality throughout the growing season. Should you wish to find out more about how ICL can help you, call your Technical Area Sales Manager (see back page) or go online to our dedicated plant protection and biologicals web page www.icl-protect.com

Guidelines and usage

• Nematodes should be applied when the target pest is present • Avoid applications in direct sunlight (nematodes are killed by UV light) • Apply in wet and humid conditions • Evening applications are best • Majority of application equipment suitable for nematode application • Remove all fine filters (50 mesh - equivalent to 0.3 mm - or smaller) • Do not exceed 300 psi/20 bar/2000 kPa pump pressure • Nozzle aperture should be greater than 0.5 mm • Suitable nozzles should produce a medium or coarse spray at the intended application pressure

Seeka Benefits

• Two distinct products for use on specific pests

• Reliable performance • Easy application methods • Persistent in the growing media for medium term control

• Safe to crops, users and the environment • No re-entry interval required • Suitable for IPM practices • Suitable for organic growing

2

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Increase nematode performance with ICL’s exclusive penetrant Transporter See Page 13

contents 02 Introduction 04 What is a nematode?

05 Nematode life cycle 06 Application methods 10 Vine weevil Seeka 13 Transporter 14 Fungus gnat Seeka

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

3

What is a nematode?

Nematodes have over 20,000 classified species, with possibly one million that are unclassified, making them the most numerous multi cellular species on earth. In order to create the high standard of beneficial nematodes which can be found within ICL’s Seeka products, the nematodes are produced in large scale bio-reactors aiming to recreate the conditions inside an insect cadaver. Nutrients and oxygen are provided along with a maintenance of temperature in order to make this industrialized process a success.

The nematodes are harvested, and the infective juveniles are separated from other life stages. These are then formulated in to the final product with the addition of an inert gel carrier which allows for storage and for dispersement within water when applying.

Quality Control from BASF The Quality Control (QC) department at BASF work closely with the production teams in order to provide a consistent and quality product throughout the fermentation process.

Nematodes count

Starter culture bioassay fermentation process

Detection of bacterial contamination

Paste and mixes count fermentation process

packing Every 4 weeks

Dispatch

In stock product bioassay

Final product bioassay stored in cold room

4

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Nematode life Cycle Thousands of infective juveniles released in search of new hosts

Infective juveniles are produced when resources become limited

Infective juveniles enter host through natural openings

Nematodes release symbiotic bacteria which kill host (Xenorhabdus spp. for Steinernematidae and Photorhabdus spp. for Heterorhabditidae)

Nematodes reproduce for 2-3 generations

Nematodes become adults inside cadaver

Always check use by dates on the pack

The nematode production process goes through rigorous testing and quality control procedures from the experts at BASF

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

5

Application Methods

Depending on what you are trying to achieve with your nematode application, you have a few different options in terms of how you apply. Application is crucial for the efficacy of nematodes and can be the cause of the product being ineffectual. Over the next few pages are examples of these methods with best practice for each in order for you to maximise the protection of your plants.

Did you know?

As effective control of pests by nematodes is temperature dependent, it is important to know your pot temperatures in order to accurately apply the correct species effectively. Ask our Technical Area Sales Managers about fitting ICL temperature loggers.

Increase nematode performance with ICL’s exclusive penetrant Transporter See Page 13

6

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Application Methods

Knapsack /pump sprayer • Premix nematodes with water (normally 10 L) in a separate bucket to create a stock solution

• Ensure nematode formulation is fully dispersed - Add more water if necessary - Agitate stock solution regularly

• Immediately take a fraction (x)* of the stock solution,

add to the tank and fill with water to the required level

• Apply to an equivalent section of the area to be

treated at the appropriate rate (see product label)

• Ensure diluted product remains agitated

throughout application - Repeat applications until the whole area is treated - Irrigate immediately after application (except for foliar applications) Please refer to product information sheet and label incorporated with delivery of product.

*

Fungus Gnat Larvae

Vine Weevil Larvae

Mixing nematodes

Stirring in water to final stock solution.

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

7

Application Methods

Dosing unit • Set the injection rate on dosing unit (normally 1%) • Considering the injection rate, area to treat and

recommended rates, calculate the number of nematodes and volume of water required in a concentrated bucket (stock solution) Ensure the stock solution remains agitated throughout the application

• Immediately apply to the whole area • Irrigate immediately after application (except for foliar applications)

Fungus Gnat Larvae

Foliar sprays Removing nematodes from its natural environment

• Manipulate environment to prolong nematode survival

• Shut vents/ventilation during this period to keep high humidity levels

• Evening applications/use blackouts (avoid direct sunlight)

• Switch off artificial lighting • The foliage should remain wet for at least 2 hours after application

• Use appropriate nozzle

Fungus Gnat Larvae**

• Medium droplet size • Avoid runoff * Unless a dual purpose application is planned (e.g. “sprench” against thrips)

*

For control of Western Flower Thrip only when using this method of application

**

8

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Vine Weevil Larvae

Application Methods

Irrigation • Premix nematodes with water (normally 10 L)

in a separate bucket to create a stock solution

• Ensure nematode formulation is fully dispersed - Add more water if necessary - Agitate stock solution regularly

• Immediately take a fraction (x)* of the stock

solution, add to the tank and fill with water to the required level

• Apply to an equivalent section of the area to be

treated at the appropriate rate (see product label)

• Ensure diluted product remains agitated

throughout application - Repeat applications until the whole area is treated - Irrigate immediately after application (except for foliar applications)

Fungus Gnat Larvae

Vine Weevil Larvae

Please refer to product information sheet and label incorporated with delivery of product.

*

Storage

• Upon receipt, remove packs out of shipping box/package and use immediately or store in a o

refrigerator at 5 C

• Avoid the constant opening of the fridge to minimize temperature fluctuations • Do not overfill the fridge to allow movement of cold air • Do not store diluted product • Use entire contents of pack at one time • Do not split or subdivide individual packs • DO NOT FREEZE • Freezing kills the nematodes as the forming ice crystals rupture their tissues

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

9

Vine Weevil

Vine Weevil Seeka, powered by BASF technology, is based on the beneficial nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (82%) and an inert carrier with water (18%). It provides control of black vine weevil larvae (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) present in soil or container-grown crops.

Benefits

• Fast and effective natural control.

• The most robust and efficacious nematode product on the market for vine weevil larvae control.

• Control achieved at all times when the pest larvae are active.

• No pest resistance problems.

• Gives high levels of control between 12°C - 30°C. Increase nematode performance with ICL’s exclusive penetrant Transporter See Page 13

10 phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Product Profile Active ingredients

Nematodes: species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

Volume

Varies on pot volume (please see label)

Dose

Varies on volume (please see label)

Target pests

Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)

Soil temperature

Between 12 C and 30 C

Application window

When black vine weevil larvae are present

o

o

Application advice

Precautions

• Soil or media temperatures should be between

• Agitate nematodes constantly during

12°C and 30°C for at least two weeks after application

application

• Do not use product if past expiry date

• The soil or media should be moist

or incorrectly stored

• Routinely treat new material coming onto the

• For information relating to which

nursery that may contain black vine weevil larvae

chemicals are compatible with Vine Weevil Seeka ask your distributor

• If product is applied over foliage, irrigate

immediately with water to wash the nematodes into the growing media

Did you know?

For temperature of below 12°C ask your ICL Technical Area Sales manager about cold temperature nematodes available through ICL.

Advised application method Drench application: preferred method, especially where crop canopy is dense.

Black vine weevil life cycle

Vine Weevil Seeka is effective on Vine Weevil larvae only

Egg larvae overwinter Pupae Adult Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

For detailed application rates please refer to label and leaflet incorporated with delivery of product.

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com 11

VINE WEEVIL CONTROL

Utilising as part of an ICL integrated pest management programme It is important to manage vine weevil effectively throughout the year and ICL now have an effective year round solution for plants at various stages of their potting life cycle, with the chemical control of Exemptor to biological control with Vine Weevil Seeka. ICL can now advise on how to manage this pest utilising a full range of tools.

Liners brought in to Nursery: Drench with Vine Weevil Seeka at temperatures > 12°C or Nemasys L < 12°C

Example: Week 1: drench liners with Vine Weevil Seeka or Nemasys L Week 2: Pot into Exemptor treated compost @ 400g/M3

Pot Liners into Exemptor treated compost: Up to 38 weeks control at 400g or 17 weeks control at 300g

Week 38: If plants unsold, order Vine Weevil Seeka or cold temperature alternative for application on week 40 (Latest) Week 1 is first day of potting

Treat again with Vine Weevil Seeka or Nemasys L before Exemptor protection has expired.

Please Note:

• Potting dates and Exemptor rates must be recorded for this to work effectively • Monitor soil temperatures in the area with the aid of local ICL data loggers for accurate product selection • Use Transporter adjuvant to aid penetration and increase efficacy of nematodes

12 phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

OPTIMISE NEMATODE PENETRATION

ICL’s revolutionary penetrant formulation which aids nematode dispersion within the growing media following application. Transporter is a blend of soil surfactants which optimise the distribution of water allowing for a more even spread of your nematode application, putting the nematodes where they are needed and therefore reducing waste.

Feature and benefits

• Rigorously tested and no negative effects on nematode species • Increases efficacy of each nematode application with less wastage • Can be used in conjunction with fertilizers • Works quickly with all substrates • Nematodes are effectively distributed through the substrate and not just on the surface

• Excellent spreading and penetration characteristics • High strength product, contains 88% surfactant for superior performance

Did you know?

Transporter should only be used when wanting to apply nematodes as drench in to the growing media. You should not use when applying as a foliar treatment.

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com 13

Fungus Gnat

Fungus Gnat Seeka, powered by BASF technology, is based on the beneficial nematode Steinernema Feltiae. It provides control of Fungus Gnat Larvae (Sciaridae spp. or more commonly known as Sciarid Fly) as well as Western Flower Thrips.

Benefits

• Fast and effective natural control.

• The most robust and efficacious nematode product on the market for fungus gnat control.

• Control achieved at all times when the pest larvae are active.

• No pest resistance problems.

• Gives high levels of control between 12°C - 30°C. Increase nematode performance with ICL’s exclusive penetrant Transporter See Page 13

14 phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com

Product Profile Active ingredients

Nematodes: species Steinernema Feltiae

Volume

Varies on pot volume (please see label)

Dose

Varies on volume (please see label)

Target pests

Fungus Gnat Larvae (Sciaridae spp.) and Western Flower Thrips

Soil temperature

Between 10 C and 30 C

Application window

When fungus gnat or western thrower thrips are present

o

o

Application advice

Precautions

• Soil or media temperatures should be between

• Agitate nematodes constantly during

10°C and 30°C for at least two weeks after application

application

• Do not use product if past expiry date

• The soil or media should be moist

or incorrectly stored

• Routinely treat new material coming onto the

• For information relating to which

nursery that may contain fungus gnat larvae

chemicals are compatible with Fungus Gnat Seeka ask your distributor

• If product is applied over foliage, irrigate

immediately with water to wash the nematodes into the growing media

Did you know?

Fungus Gnat Seeka can also protect your crops against Western Flower Thrips when applied as a foliar spray.

Please ask your Technical Area Sales Manager for more details.

Advised application method Drench application: preferred method, especially where crop canopy is dense.

Fungus gnat (Sciaridae spp.) life cycle adult

• Fungus Gnats (Sciaridae spp.) or more 3-6 days

The Sciarid Fly life is approximately 28 days at 18°C

pupa

7-10 days

12-14 days

commonly known as Sciarid Fly go through complete metamorphosis, passing through distinct egg, larvae (L1-L4 instars), pupae and adult stages

• Time to complete lifecycle is temperature eggs

4-6 days

dependent

• Match nematode application with presence of sciarid larvae (L2-L4 instars are susceptible) • Sciarid larvae normally die 3-5 days after nematode application

larvae For detailed application rates please refer to label and leaflet incorporated with delivery of product.

phone +44 (0)1473 237 111 web www.icl-protect.com email prof.sales@icl-group.com 15

11239.03/19

The Professional Horticulture Team Providing you with ongoing technical support throughout the growing season to maximise the quality and return of your crops.

Dr Eleni Siasou Product Development & Quality Manager - Growing Media +44 (0)7867 691941 eleni.siasou@icl-group.com

Technical Area Sales Managers

Adrian Thirtle-Watts MBPR Sales Manager Professional Horticulture +44 (0)7778 603104 adrian.thirtle-watts@icl-group.com

1

At ICL we have a dedicated team who have worked with growers for a number of years, gaining vast experience in the horticulture field. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise and expect the highest of standards from our team, who are FACTS and BASIS qualified (or training to be so). They are there to offer support to maximise your crops and yields throughout the year.

Ian Todd MBPR Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7831 835889 ian.todd@icl-group.com

2

Martin Donnelly MBPR Sales Development Manager (Horticulture) +44 (0)7785 976068 martin.donnelly@icl-group.com

3

Andrew Wilson MBPR Technical Manager +44 (0)7768 903624 andrew.wilson@icl-group.com

6

Samuel Rivers Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7557 033289 sam.rivers@icl-group.com

7

Steve Hughes MBPR Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7799 481489 steve.hughes@icl-group.com

8

1 Carl Mason Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7867 787315 carl.mason@icl-group.com

3

9

2 4

7

4

Andy Hodges MBPR Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7786 701268 andy.hodges@icl-group.com

9

6 8

5

To order your ICL products or get the latest information and advice Call +44 (0)1473 237 111 Email prof.sales@icl-group.com Web www.icl-protect.com For full information on ICL products please go to www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie

Stuart Gammage MBPR Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7920 084972 stuart.gammage@icl-group.com

5

Steve Chapman Technical Area Sales Manager +44 (0)7342 057122 steven.chapman@icl-group.com

ATTENTION PLEASE USE PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS SAFELY. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE USE PAY ATTENTION TO THE RISK INDICATIONS AND FOLLOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON THE LABEL. ® Seeka is a registered name of ICL and its affiliates. As circumstances can differ and as application of products is beyond our control, ICL cannot be held responsible for any negative results. With this publication, all previously given recommendations expire. Before a new rate, product or application method is used, a small-scale trial is recommended. Ask your local ICL dealer or the ICL Professional Horticulture representative in your area for more information or recommendations. Consult HYPERLINK “http://www.icl-sf.co.uk” www.icl-sf.co.uk / .ie for your contact in the region.

Colman Warde MBPR Country Manager - Ireland +353 877799527 colman.warde@icl-group.com