How beneficial nematodes protect sports pitches
There is a natural and highly effective solution at work for unwanted guests like crane fly larvae (leatherjackets) and chafer grubs - insect-pathogenic nematodes.
A lush green surface isn’t just paradise for golfers and turf managers - it’s also a prime target for crane fly larvae (leatherjackets) and chafer grubs. These underground pests, as well as small mammals and bird life which search for them in turf, can cause significant damage, leaving behind patchy, unhealthy turf. The solution - insect-pathogenic nematodes. These microscopic warriors provide a safe, biological way to combat turf pests without harming the environment.
What are beneficial nematodes?
Also known as entomopathogenic nematodes, these tiny roundworms are natural predators of many soil-dwelling pests. They specifically target harmful insects without affecting humans or animals. Their menu includes, Leatherjackets (crane fly larvae), Chafer grubs and Weevils, caterpillars, fly larvae, thrips and other turf-damaging insects.
Once introduced to the soil, nematodes actively seek out their prey, enter the insect’s body and release symbiotic bacteria that quickly overwhelm and kill the host. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead insect, creating thousands of new warriors ready to continue the cycle.
Why choose nematodes over chemical pesticides?
With increasing restrictions on chemical pest control, nematodes offer a sustainable, long-term solution. Here’s why they’re gaining popularity in Integrated Turf Management (ITM) programmes:
Eco-friendly and safe – Nematodes leave no harmful residues - making them safe for people, pets and the environment.
Long-lasting effectiveness – Unlike pesticides, which pests can develop resistance to, nematodes remain effective over time.
Self-sustaining – They reproduce inside the pest’s body, naturally maintaining their population.
Perfect for turf management – Compatible with most pesticides, nematodes fit seamlessly into professional lawn and turfcare programmes.
Currently, Acelepryn is the only approved chemical for controlling leatherjackets and chafer grubs in sports and amenity turf. As chemical options become more limited, biological control methods like nematodes are proving to be the future of sustainable turfcare.
How nematodes take down their prey
Nematodes hunt down their hosts using chemical signals like carbon dioxide and heat. Once they locate a target, they enter through natural openings (mouth, spiracles, or cuticle) and, depending of the nematode species, release bacteria (Xenorhabdus or Photorhabdus species) that cause septicemia in the insect, killing it within days. As the nematodes feed and reproduce, thousands of new ones emerge, ready to infect more pests.
This natural cycle continues as long as host insects are present, with nematodes remaining active for up to two weeks if soil moisture is maintained.
Eco-friendly formulation
Beneficial nematodes are delivered in sustainably packaged, water-soluble formulations that keep them dormant until application. This extends their shelf life for several months, ensuring effectiveness when needed. Thanks to recent innovations, Koppert has completely eliminated microplastics from its nematode products, further enhancing their environmental credentials. Once mixed with water, nematodes are activated and can be applied seamlessly using standard spraying systems.
A game-changer for sustainable turf management
The potential of beneficial nematodes in Integrated Turf Management (ITM) is vast. As the industry moves toward natural and sustainable pest control, these living solutions present a viable alternative to conventional pesticides.
By adopting nematodes, turf managers can apply a solution teeming with life, free from chemical residues, and fully aligned with the future of 100% sustainable amenity and sports turf management.
Integrating nematodes into turfcare not only enhances pest control but also supports broader environmental goals, helping the sector adopt eco-friendly land management practices that prioritise both turf health and biodiversity.
With the right timing and conditions, nematodes provide a natural, effective and chemical-free solution for maintaining healthy turf. By taking advantage of nature’s own pest control system, golf courses, sports pitches and lawns can thrive without relying on pesticides. So next time you see a perfectly maintained green, just remember - there’s an army of microscopic warriors working beneath your feet!
Applying nematodes for maximum effect
For optimal results, follow these essential steps when applying beneficial nematodes to control turf pests:
Select the right nematode species: Match the nematode type to your specific pest problem for maximum effectiveness.
Determine the correct dosage: Refer to product labels to calculate the required quantity based on infestation levels and treatment area.
Store properly: Keep nematodes refrigerated until application to preserve their viability.
Prepare a nematode suspension: Mix nematodes with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Soil application: Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged, and consider soil temperature for optimal nematode activity.
Foliar application: Maintain a relative humidity above 75% to enhance nematode survival and effectiveness.
Timing matters: Apply nematodes in low UV conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent sunlight damage.
Even distribution: Use sprayers, irrigation systems or drones to disperse nematodes evenly across the treatment area.
Follow-up applications: Depending on infestation severity, repeat treatments may be necessary.
Monitor and adjust: Track results and fine-tune your approach based on pest activity and environmental conditions.
Key environmental considerations
Ideal application conditions: High relative humidity (>75%), low solar radiation (early morning/evening), and soil temperatures between 15°C – 25°C.
Water quality: Safe mixing within pH 3–8 and EC up to 5 to maintain nematode effectiveness.
Enhanced penetration: To improve nematode movement through the turf, use an adjuvant like Agrovista’s NemaFlow.
Case study: Woodhall Spa Golf Club
Koppert and Agrovista are working closely with some of the UK’s top golf courses to implement sustainable pest control solutions. Among them is Woodhall Spa Golf Club in Lincolnshire, which applied Koppert’s Sportnem T against leatherjackets in autumn 2024.
Peter Moore, Director of Courses at Woodhall Spa, has been closely monitoring the results. “So far, we’re seeing good results, with no bird activity on the greens. While there is some bird and badger activity on other areas of the course, the greens have remained undisturbed, which I believe is a strong indicator that Koppert Sportnem T is working effectively,” he reports.
Leatherjacket activity continues to be monitored, and Peter plans to extend nematode applications to other areas of the course, including the fairways, as part of a broader integrated turf management strategy.
This partnership highlights the growing shift toward biological pest control solutions in golf course maintenance, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides while maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.
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