Beneficial Nematodes for Fruits, Potatoes and Outdoor Vegetables
Nov 07, 2025
Beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes have become an essential part of modern pest management, particularly where soil-dwelling or overwintering stages create challenges that conventional chemistry cannot fully address. Nematodes provide a fast-acting, residue-free and resistance-proof option that integrates cleanly into existing spray programmes without compromising other protection tools. By actively seeking out larvae hidden in soil, bark, organic debris or root zones, nematodes offer a dependable solution for growers who need effective control without added complications.
The downloadable resources below provide the precise information needed to use Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora effectively in stone fruits & nutes, soft fruits, top fruits, potatoes and outdoor vegetables. Each one focuses on the pests most relevant to your crop group, the correct application methods and timings, and the rates required for reliable control. If none of these options listed here fit your crop type check out our other articles All About Beneficial Nematodes: When to Use Them and Why They Work & How to Apply Beneficial Nematodes for Maximum Success
Stone Fruits & Nuts
In peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and chestnuts, nematodes offer a straightforward way to reach pests that spend critical parts of their lifecycle out of sight. When dealing with Oriental Fruit Moth (Cydia molesta) or Peach Twig Borer (Anarsia lineatella), for example, spring and autumn applications to scaffold branches, trunks and surrounding soil place the nematodes exactly where overwintering larvae are located.
If Flatheaded Root Borer (Capnodis tenebrionis) is a concern, the guide outlines how to use trunk-base drenches in spring and autumn to allow nematodes to contact larvae feeding below the bark. Chestnut growers will also find specific timing recommendations for Chestnut Tortrix (Cydia splendana), including summer soil applications before moth emergence and additional treatments in early autumn when larvae return to the soil.
Download: Stone Fruits & Nuts
Top Fruits
For apples and pears, nematodes allow you to intervene precisely when pests are concentrated in overwintering sites. Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella), Oriental Fruit Moth (Cydia molesta) and Summer Fruit Tortrix (Adoxophyes orana) can be targeted by treating trunks, scaffold branches and the soil surface during autumn and spring. These applications disrupt the population before adult flights begin and before larvae spread through the orchard.
If Red-belted Clearwing (Synanthedon myopaeformis) is present, trunk-directed applications place nematodes where larvae are actively feeding. The guide also explains the timing for sawfly species (Hoplocampa spp.), including soil treatments before emergence and again during early fruitlet fall to target newly developing larvae.
Download: Top Fruits
Potatoes & Outdoor Vegetables
In field vegetable and potato production, nematodes provide flexible and targeted control across a wide range of crops, including onions, leeks, asparagus, peas, beans, spinach, lettuce, roquette and potatoes. The guide clarifies when to begin soil or foliar applications and how to repeat treatments to maintain coverage across the risk period.
Soil treatments are used to manage Bean Seed Fly (Delia platura), Onion Fly (Delia antiqua), Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci), Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), wireworms (Agriotes spp.), crane flies (Tipula spp.) and flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.). Timing is tied closely to monitoring—for example, applications may begin at sowing, at first pest detection or after identifying adult flight activity.
Foliar applications play a role as well, especially for caterpillar complexes across several crops and for Pea Moth (Cydia nigricana) once larvae become active on foliage. The document provides clear rate guidance and repeat intervals so you know exactly how to plan applications throughout the season.
Download: Potatoes & Outdoor Vegetables
Soft Fruits
In blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and grapevine, nematodes can be applied to the soil or foliage depending on the pest you need to manage. Soil applications in autumn and spring offer strong control of Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and other Otiorhynchus and Naupactus species by targeting larvae feeding below the surface.
For foliar pests—including caterpillars and species such as Cranberry Girdler (Chrysoteuchia topiaria)—applications begin as soon as larvae are detected or at peak adult flight. The guide details how to repeat treatments at short intervals to maintain pressure on the population and ensure consistent control during periods of active feeding.
Download: Soft Fruits
A Practical Biological Tool You Can Use With Confidence
Nematodes fit comfortably into commercial production because they are compatible with most insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and even nematicides. They provide a clean biological option that supports your existing IPM approach rather than complicating it. With more than 35 years of development and quality control behind these species, you can rely on consistent performance when targeting soil larvae, overwintering pests, trunk-dwelling stages or actively feeding caterpillars.
The downloadable resources give you everything needed to apply nematodes accurately—what species to use, where to place them, how much to apply and the timings that deliver the strongest results.
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