Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer

Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer

A pro-active preventative approach to controlling leatherjackets in turf is required. By treating with Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer within September to the end of October application window, direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them in the following spring and summer is avoided.

There are two application windows in the pests life cycle suitable for applying a leatherjacket treatment. The first window is during the late summer/autumn, from mid-September until the end of October. Autumn applications will target the two main crane fly species in the UK.

The secondary spring treatments of Sportnem-T will be most effective from May when newly hatched larvae of the common crane fly, Tipula oleracea, are present and soil temperatures are >12°C.

During the spring window the larvae of the European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, will have grown to a stage where effective control of any type is significantly reduced. As a result it is important to note that the required application rate is higher for the spring window compared to the late summer into autumn window.

For best results apply Sportnem-T leatherjacket treatment to moist turf areas from mid-September until the end of October as this targets the pest early in its life cycle when it is more susceptible to control.

The below infographic  is designed to inform the user as to the life stage of the organism throughout the year.

After application, the nematodes actively search for their prey and penetrate them. The nematodes then feed on the contents of the prey, excreting specific bacteria from their digestive tracts as they do so. These bacteria convert the host tissue into products that the nematodes can easily ingest. The larvae die within a few days.

How to Apply Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer

Application Rates

• OPTIMAL CONTROL Window 1 - mid-September, October: 1 pack per 500 square metres.
• REDUCED CONTROL Window 2 - May: 1 pack per 250 square metres.

NOTE: Sportnem-T can be applied when soil temperatures are >12°C but the nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, will be more active when temperatures are >14°C.

Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer must be used within 3-4 weeks of being received, keep refrigerated until used.

Preparing to Apply Nematodes
		Order Order nematodes to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to forecast application period* to facilitate application in optimum circumstances. *Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time.
		Store Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2-6°C.
		Monitor Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time. Aim to apply when soil temperatures are at least 12°C (temperatures >14°C will further improve efficacy).  Aim to apply in the morning, in the evening or on a cloudy day. Aim to apply when rain is forecast.
		Irrigate Apply 5-10 litres per m2 of water the evening before treatment. Apply a further 5 litres per m2 of water 1-2 hours before treatment.
		Aerate Use a sarel roller to aerate the soil, facilitating faster movement of the nematodes through the soil profile.* * It is important that the nematodes come into contact with the soil as quickly as possible; excessive thatch will inhibit this process.
Applying Nematodes
		Equipment Remove all filters from the application equipment. Checking: Lance handle, Top hat filters at the nozzle, Filter bowls within pipes after the pump. Use a suitable nozzle i.e. flat fan nozzle with coarse droplet size. Ensure sprayer is completely clean then fill with half the required amount of clean water.
		Nematodes Place the contents of the pack into a clean bucket containing 5 litres of water. Stir well and allow to soak for 20-30 seconds. Stir again and pour the entire solution into the spray tank through its sieve. Top up until the required amount of solution is in the tank.
		Application Spray nematode solution immediately onto the prepared surface using a maximum of 12 bar pressure. Apply with a penetrant wetting agent to improve passage into the soil.
		Post Application Irrigate immediately after application using at least 2-5 litres per m2 to wash the nematodes into the soil. Ensure the area is kept moist for at least 2 weeks post application.

We do not sell this product during the period when the larvae are not susceptible to control using nematodes.

To aid the efficiency of the nematodes into the soil profile, apply with Aquazorb 45 Wetting Agent.