Entonem (OMRI)

Entonem (OMRI) — Steinernema feltiae - Nematodes for Soil and Foliar Pest Control

Entonem contains third-stage larvae (L3) of Steinernema feltiae, an entomopathogenic nematode that targets fungus gnats, thrips, beetles, and other pests with soil or foliar life stages. These microscopic roundworms actively seek out insect hosts, enter through natural openings, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the pest within 24–72 hours. Entonem is OMRI-listed and safe for use in certified organic production.

Entonem is chemical-free and safe for use in any growing environment including greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, flower beds, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, indoor plants including houseplants and more.

Use For

Entonem targets the following pests:

• Fly larvae (Diptera):
  – Sciarid flies (Lycoriella spp., Bradysia spp.)
  – Shore flies (Scatella spp.)
  – Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.)

• Thrips (Thysanoptera) pupae and larvae:
  – Including Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

• Weevil larvae (Coleoptera):
  – Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
  – Other weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.)

• Caterpillars (Lepidoptera):
  – Tomato leaf miner moth (Tuta absoluta)
  – Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)
  – Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina)
  – Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.)
  – Cotton bollworm (Spodoptera littoralis)
  – Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
  – Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)
  – Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
  – Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma)

• Bugs (Hemiptera):
  – Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata)
  
  

When to Use Entonem
Use Entonem preventively or curatively in any growing environment where soil-dwelling or foliar-stage pests are present or anticipated. It is suitable for all plant-types and growing situations. Entonem is highly adaptable and effective across a wide range of crops, substrates, and pest pressures. It can be applied to both soil and foliage, making it a versatile tool in integrated pest management programs.

How It Works

• Mode of Action: Infective juveniles (L3) actively seek out insect hosts in the soil or on foliage. Upon locating a host, they enter through natural openings and release symbiotic bacteria into the pest’s body cavity. These bacteria rapidly convert host tissue into a digestible food source, killing the pest within 1–3 days.
• Reproduction: Inside the host, nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce. New infective juveniles emerge from the cadaver and disperse into the surrounding environment to infect additional hosts.
• Visual Effect: Infected soil-dwelling pests turn yellow to brown and decompose rapidly. Infected foliar pests typically fall to the ground.
  
  

Efficacy & Duration

• On foliage: Under optimal humidity (RH >75%) and temperature (57–79°F), Entonem can kill up to 60% of exposed foliar pests within 8 hours of application.
  
• In soil: At the standard dose of 500,000 nematodes per 10 sq. ft, Entonem can achieve 80–100% mortality of fungus gnat larvae and black vine weevil larvae within 4–10 days, depending on pest density and environmental conditions.
• Residual Activity: Nematodes remain active in moist soil for up to 2–3 weeks, continuing to infect new hosts during this period.

Application Instructions:

Preparation & Mixing

• Mix one 50 million pack per 30–50 gallons of water per 1,000 sq. ft 
• Empty the entire contents of the pack into a large bucket
• Add water at approximately 70°F and mix thoroughly
• Rinse bucket contents into the sprayer tank using the standard spray tank sieve
• Add the required volume of additional water to the sprayer
• Maintain constant agitation throughout application
• Use immediately after mixing — do not store
• A wetting agent may improve effectiveness, especially for foliar applications

Sprayer Setup

• Use coarse spray nozzles with an opening of at least 1 mm
• Remove all fine filters (less than 1 mm), including those in nozzles and spray lines
• Use a large droplet setting to create a coarse spray pattern
• Avoid centrifugal or piston pumps that may damage nematodes

Application Timing & Conditions

• Soil Temperature:
  Optimal range is 57–85°F. Nematodes remain active below 57°F, but the symbiotic bacteria will not function until temperatures rise. Avoid use above 86°F
• Humidity:
  For foliar applications, apply during high humidity conditions (RH >75%) and low light
• Time of Day:
  Apply in the evening or early morning to avoid UV exposure
• Growing Media:
  Must be moist before and after application. pH should be between 3 and 8
• Post-Application Irrigation:
  Lightly irrigate after soil/media application to wash nematodes into the root zone. Avoid overwatering, which may flush nematodes out of pots

Best Working Conditions

• Temperature: Active between 50–91°F; optimal range 57–79°F
• Humidity: High soil moisture required for several days post-application
• UV Sensitivity: Do not apply in direct sunlight
• Foliar Use: Apply in high humidity conditions (RH >75%) and low light

Product Specifications

• Pack Sizes:
  – 50 million (1 sachet per box)
  – 500 million (2 x 250 million sachets per box)
• Active Stage: Infective third-stage larvae (L3)
• Concentration: 86% Steinernema feltiae, 14% inert biodegradable carrier
• OMRI Listed: Approved for use in certified organic production

What to Expect

• Nematodes begin seeking hosts immediately after application
• Pest suppression begins within 24–72 hours
• Reapply based on pest pressure and environmental conditions
  
  

Recommended IPM Pairings

• Entomite-M (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) — for enhanced suppression of fungus gnats and root aphids
• Atheta (Dalotia coriaria) — for shore flies, fungus gnats, and other soil-dwelling pests
• Swirskii (Amblyseius swirskii) or Thripex (Neoseiulus cucumeris) — for foliar thrips suppression
• Horiver Yellow sticky traps — for adult fungus gnat and thrips monitoring
• Disease Prevention(e.g., Trianum-P) — for propagation trays

Have more questions about Entonem? Check out our resources below:
Nematode Application Tips
Frequently Asked Questions about Nematodes