How Koppert nematodes control foliar pests extended version

Summary

The video explains the biological control of caterpillar pests using nematodes, specifically Steinernema species, which are effective in controlling both soil-borne and foliage-feeding pests. These nematodes, applied as a spray, infect caterpillars through their respiratory spiracles. Inside the host, the nematodes release symbiotic bacteria that break down the caterpillar's immune system and tissue, creating a nutrient-rich environment for the nematodes to develop and reproduce. This complex biological interaction offers an effective, safer solution for pest control in agriculture, ensuring healthier crop production without relying on harmful chemicals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Caterpillars are a significant pest, damaging plants and harvestable products like tomatoes and sweet peppers.
• 😀 The biological control of caterpillars is challenging due to limited effective products available.
• 😀 Coppered offers a new solution using nematodes to combat caterpillar pests.
• 😀 The nematodes in Coppered products are in their infective juvenile stage and are applied as a spray.
• 😀 When sprayed, the nematodes adhere to both the leaf surface and the caterpillar's cuticle.
• 😀 The product is most effective when applied in the late afternoon under favorable environmental conditions.
• 😀 Nematodes can survive for hours or even days on leaf surfaces, depending on environmental conditions.
• 😀 Caterpillars become infected by ingesting nematodes along with the leaf material.
• 😀 Nematodes enter the caterpillar through openings like respiratory spiracles and release symbiotic bacteria.
• 😀 The nematodes' symbiotic bacteria help break down the caterpillar's immune system and tissues, leading to its death.
• 😀 After the caterpillar's death, the nematodes develop into adults, reproduce, and continue the cycle by infecting other pests.

Q & A

What are some common pests in vegetable crops mentioned in the script?

The script mentions caterpillars as common pests in many vegetable crops, including tomatoes and sweet peppers.

What makes biological control of caterpillars challenging?

Biological control of caterpillars is challenging due to the limited number of effective products available.

What solution does Coppered offer to combat caterpillar pests?

Coppered offers a solution using biological products containing entomopathogenic nematodes, which effectively control not only soil-borne pests but also foliage-feeding caterpillars.

How are the nematodes in Coppered products applied to plants?

The nematodes are resuspended in water and applied as a spray. The suspension contains an adjuvant that helps the nematodes adhere to the foliage and caterpillar cuticle, preventing runoff.

What is the recommended time for applying Coppered's nematode product?

It is recommended to apply the product in the late afternoon when environmental conditions are most favorable.

Can nematodes survive on dry leaf surfaces?

Yes, nematodes can survive on dry leaf surfaces for several hours to a few days, depending on environmental conditions, even after the water droplets have evaporated.

How do caterpillars get infected by the nematodes?

Caterpillars become infected by inadvertently ingesting the nematodes along with the leaf material. The nematodes enter the caterpillar through body openings, including respiratory spiracles.

What role does the bacterium inside the nematode play in infecting the caterpillar?

The bacterium inside the nematode releases a cocktail of substances that helps break down the caterpillar’s immune system, ultimately leading to its death and allowing the nematodes to feed and reproduce.

What happens after the nematodes enter the caterpillar's body?

Once inside the caterpillar, the nematodes travel to the hemocoel (body cavity), where the bacterium multiplies and produces enzymes that break down the caterpillar’s tissue, creating a nutritious environment for the nematodes.

What is the significance of the symbiotic bacterium carried by the nematodes?

The symbiotic bacterium is crucial for the nematode's success. It produces enzymes that break down the host’s tissues, providing a nutrient-rich environment for the nematodes and aiding in the rapid killing of the caterpillar.