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 the August 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 early August to the end of October, with the second window the following spring during March and April.

 For best results apply Sportnem-T leatherjacket treatment to moist turf areas from early August to late 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.

During the spring window the larvae 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.

This means that a pro-active preventative approach to controlling crane fly larvae in turf areas is required. By treating with Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer in the August 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.

Applications must occur when the larvae are at a young and susceptible life stage and the soil temperature is between 14°C and 33°C, which is the optimum point the nematodes are at their most active in the soil.

Early in the year the larvae will have grown to a stage where effective control is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is important to note that control is less effective in the spring compared to late summer/early autumn window.

A pro-active preventative approach to controlling leatherjackets in turf is required. By treating with Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer within the August 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.

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 - August, September, October: 1 pack per 500 square metres.
• REDUCED CONTROL Window 2 - March and April: 1 pack per 250 square metres.

NOTE: Soil temperatures must always be at least 14ºC at the time of application.

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

Each pack of Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer contains 250,000,000 nematodes and treats up to 500m².

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. For summer/autumn applications ensure that the soil temperature is > 13°C. For spring applications ensure that the soil temperature is > 8°C. 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 mm water the evening before treatment. Apply a further 5 mm 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 2-5 mm water to help 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.

For further information on Sportnem-T Leatherjacket Killer, please contact a member of our technical sales team on 01902 440280.