Capsanem (OMRI)

Capsanem — Steinernema carpocapsae
Capsanem contains infective third-stage juveniles (L3) of Steinernema carpocapsae, an entomopathogenic nematode for biological control of caterpillars, beetle larvae, fly larvae, bugs, and mole crickets. These microscopic roundworms actively seek out insect hosts, enter through natural openings or thin cuticle, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the pest within hours to a few days. Capsanem is chemical-free, residue-free, and safe for use in greenhouses, nurseries, outdoor beds, landscapes, and turf. It can be applied to soil or foliage, making it a versatile tool in integrated pest management programs.

Use For
Capsanem targets the following pests:
Caterpillars (Lepidoptera):
– Tomato leaf miner moth (Tuta absoluta)
– European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis)
– Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis)
– Cranberry girdler (Crambus hortuellus)
– Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.)
– Cotton bollworm (Spodoptera littoralis)
– Corn earworm (Helicoverpa spp.)
– Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)
– Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
– Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma)
Beetle larvae (Coleoptera):
– Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
– Flatheaded root borer (Capnodis tenebrionis)
Fly larvae (Diptera):
– Shore flies (Scatella spp.)
– Crane flies / leatherjackets (Tipula spp.)
Bugs (Hemiptera):
– Tomato bug (Nesidiocoris tenuis)
– Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata)
Mole crickets:
– European mole cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa)
– American mole crickets (Neoscapteriscus spp.)
For fungus gnats and thrips pupae, layer with Entonem (Steinernema feltiae).

When to Use Capsanem
Use Capsanem preventively during risk windows or curatively when pests are present on foliage or in soil/media. 

Recommended For:
Caterpillar outbreaks on foliage
Soil pests damaging roots
Preventative programs during high-risk windows

How It Works
Mode of Action: Infective juveniles penetrate hosts and release symbiotic bacteria into the body cavity. The bacteria convert host tissues into a digestible food source, killing the pest within hours to a few days.
Visual Effect: Foliar pests typically fall to the ground; soil pests turn yellow to brown and degrade quickly.

Efficacy & Duration
Mortality generally occurs within hours to a few days post-infection.
Environmental factors (temperature, moisture, RH for foliar) and coverage dictate outcomes.
Maintain soil moisture and high RH for best results.

Special Considerations for Hydroponics & Non-Soil Media
Capsanem remains effective in hydroponic systems and non-soil substrates (rockwool, coco, peat) but requires higher application rates and thorough drenching. Porous media can harbor larvae and pupae deep in crevices, so drench through to the bottom of pots or slabs. In flowing systems without media, increase dosing significantly.

Application Rates

Soil Applications

Foliar Applications
Mix at 1–3 million nematodes per liter of spray solution; apply to thorough runoff. Maintain RH >75% for several hours post-treatment.

Application Instructions
Instruction for Use
Apply early morning or late evening to minimize heat and sunlight.
Turn off artificial lights that may dry plant surfaces too quickly.
Soil surface must be moist at the time of application.
Apply with at least 4 liters/m² water if applied direct to soil.
For drench applications over foliage, use lower volumes and irrigate within 30 minutes with at least 1 liter/m² to wash nematodes off leaves and into soil.
Keep soil moist for 3–4 weeks after application for optimum results.
Apply entire spray solution once mixed; do not store longer than 4 hours.
Remove all fine filters in tubing and nozzles; use nozzles with at least 0.8 mm diameter.
Keep nematode solution agitated continuously; alternatively add 0.4% carboxy-methyl cellulose (wallpaper paste) to prevent settling (still use within 4 hours).
Do not exceed pump pressure of 20 bar / 300 psi; for Dosatron max 6 bar / 100 psi.

Compatibility
Avoid mixing with pesticides and adjuvants unless compatibility is confirmed.
If uncertain, avoid pesticide applications 1 week before and 2 weeks after nematode use.
Do not mix with fertilizers (fertilize before or after is fine).
To see the impact of pesticides on natural enemies, visit Chemical Side Effects Guide.

Best Working Conditions
Temperature: Active 57–93°F; optimal 66–88°F. Avoid extremes (<41°F or >95°F).
Moisture: Keep soil/media moist for several days post-application.
UV Sensitivity: Do not apply in direct sunlight.

Product Specifications
Species: Steinernema carpocapsae
Active Stage: Infective juveniles (L3)
Formulation: Highly soluble biodegradable carrier
Pack Sizes: Commonly supplied as 10 × 250 million sachets (2,500 million per box)

Storage & Transport
Use as soon as possible upon delivery.
Store at 4–8°C (39–47°F); do not freeze.
Store bags in a refrigerator without the box; in cool storage rooms, open carton but keep bags sealed.
Use by expiry date on package.
Do not store after opening — mix and apply immediately.

What to Expect
Nematodes begin seeking hosts immediately after application.
Mortality begins within hours to a few days; results improve with proper coverage and humidity.
Reapply based on scouting and pest pressure.

Recommended IPM Pairings
Entonem (Steinernema feltiae) — for fungus gnats and thrips pupae
Horiver Yellow sticky traps — monitor adult activity

FAQs
Does Capsanem contain live nematodes?
Yes — live infective juveniles (L3) of Steinernema carpocapsae.
Can I use Capsanem as a foliar spray?
Yes — spray to runoff and maintain RH >75% for several hours after treatment. Apply in evening or calm morning, out of direct sun.
What rate should I use?
Soil: ~232,000–464,000 nematodes per 10 sq. ft.
Foliar: 1–3 million nematodes per liter to runoff.
What temperatures are best?
Active 57–93°F; optimal 66–88°F. Avoid extremes and direct sun during application.
How should I mix and apply?
Pre-mix each sachet in ≥2 L water (59–68°F), soak 5 minutes, add to half-filled tank, keep agitation, remove fine filters (<0.8 mm), use ≥0.8 mm nozzles, stay ≤290 psi, and spray immediately.
How should I store Capsanem?
Refrigerate at 4–8°C (39–47°F); do not freeze. Store bags without box in refrigerator; in cool rooms, open carton but keep bags sealed.