Nematodes NemaPlatane Organic against lacewings - box of 100 million

Plane trees in France and Europe have been victims of the lacewing since the 1980s, scientifically known as Corythucha ciliata. It is a small bug-like piercing-sucking insect native to the American continent. The adult and the larva feed on sap by piercing the underside of the leaves, which become discoloured in small patches and eventually fall off. The adults, when flying, measure about 3mm in length. They are predominantly cream-white in colour, with dark markings on the wings. They give birth to 2 or 3 generations per year. The adults spend the winter under the bark of trees or in fallen dead leaves on the ground. They lay their eggs from early spring, on the underside of the leaves and along the veins. A female can lay up to 350 eggs.

The NemaPlatane box by Biotop contains useful nematodes mixed with clay powder, used as an excipient to facilitate application, as well as an adjuvant that improves adherence to the spraying surface and therefore the effectiveness of the treatment. Here, we are talking about 2 species of Steinernema ssp, a tiny soil worm naturally present in European soils and therefore resistant to cold. The nematodes in NemaPlatane parasitise the adult lacewings, leading to their death.

After application on the trunk or leaves of the plane tree, the nematodes actively search for their target and enter it through its natural openings. Their digestive system then releases specific bacteria that 'digest' the host's tissues, which are easily assimilated by the nematodes. The parasitised insects die within 24 to 48 hours, releasing new nematodes that will search for new prey. The nematodes should be applied by spraying on moist vegetation. It is very important to use the nematodes as quickly as possible after receiving them to avoid any decrease in effectiveness. In the meantime, keep the box in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 12°C (maximum conservation until the expiration date indicated on the packaging). Nematodes should never be exposed to sunlight as they are very sensitive to UV rays.

There are three possible application periods:

• End of winter (March): before the adult lacewings migrate to the foliage (and T°>10°C), spray on the trunk and main branches.
• Spring (May) - Summer (July/August): 1 to 2 applications depending on infestation, spray on the foliage.

Do not use chemical treatments less than 1 week before application and for 1 month after. Be careful with certain fungicides that can be toxic (especially products containing carbendazim, dodine, sulphur, etc.). Avoid the use of nematicides.

THE PRINCIPLE OF BIOCONTROL: