Biological soil pest management
Root feeding insects
Plant parasitic nematodes
BioEcoServe have expertise on the biological control of root feeding insects with entomopathogenic nematodes. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are nematodes who are naturally parasitic to insects and they can be thus used as natural and environmentally safe insecticides. The EPN we use are specifically aimed against certain pests and are therefore safe to non target species, something that often broad spectrum synthetic chemical insecticides do not do, causing major damage to beneficial insects and pollinators. In addition, continuous conventional synthetic chemical insecticide applications result in pest resistance which leads to a vicious circle of more insecticide application and more pest resistance. On the other hand, EPN have evolved with their pest hosts and resistance issues do not arise. More over, the application of natural EPN bioinsecticides does not wipe all insects from the field, but rather drops the pest level below the economic threshold for the grower, helping maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem, while enabling the grower to avoid detrimental and economically damaging crop losses.
We can also advise and provide solutions towards plant parasitic nematode problems in your field.
Who we can serve and how
SOFT FRUIT, HARDRY ORNAMENTAL AND HORTICULTURAL SECTORS
BioEcoServe can undertake diagnostics and management against one of the most destructive pests in soft fruit, hardy ornamental and horticultural industries, the black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus.
We have 20+ years experience in this area, having developed ways to manage the BVW in the glasshouse and in the field in an environmentally friendly way.
CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC FARMING SECTORS AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCERS
BioEcoServe have experience in the development and application of beneficial nematodes as biological insecticides. We can offer advice and solutions to your root insect pest problems in a sustainable and environment friendly way.
More over, our niche expertise in nematology enables us to carry out precise plant parasitic nematode (PPN) field diagnostics and evaluate the quarantine status of any habitat. Our knowledge in the field also enables us to provide the best biological solutions for sustainable PPN management.
SMALL SCALE DOMESTICS GARDEN APPLICATIONS
We also offer advice and solutions, regarding root feeding insect problems and PPN, to domestic settings for small scale applications.