Palaeonema phyticum gen. n., sp. n. (Nematoda: Palaeonematidae fam. n.), a Devonian nematode associated with early land plants". {{ cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= ( help) Once opened, the contents must be used immediately. Unopened, the sachet may be stored in a fridge for 4 weeks or in a cool dark area for 2 days. Slug nematodes are a pesticide-free alternative of keeping slugs under control by introducing parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis sp.) I like to apply nematodes twice a year, once in spring and then again in autumn. There are two main factors to bear in mind when applying nematodes. They don’t like cold weather and need it to be above 5 Celsius. Bottle cloches - cut the bottom off a clear plastic bottle and firm it into the soil around a vulnerable seedling/plant.

The name of the group Nematoda, informally called "nematodes", came from Nematoidea, originally defined by Karl Rudolphi (1808), [28] from Ancient Greek νῆμα ( nêma, nêmatos, 'thread') and -eiδἠς ( -eidēs, 'species'). It was treated as family Nematodes by Burmeister (1837). [28] USapplication 2008072494,Stoner RJ, Linden JC,"Micronutrient elicitor for treating nematodes in field crops",published 2008-03-27 Controls: Predatory mites ( Hypoaspisand Ambyseius species) and mighty mite ( Macrocheles robustulus) can be used. The predatory bug Orius laevigatus is also sometimes available.The nematode biological control (containing Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae) sold as Fruit and Vegetable Protection can be used indoors and outside. One form of nematode is entirely dependent upon fig wasps, which are the sole source of fig fertilization. They prey upon the wasps, riding them from the ripe fig of the wasp's birth to the fig flower of its death, where they kill the wasp, and their offspring await the birth of the next generation of wasps as the fig ripens.

The biological control of slugs

Nemaslug might affect water snails. To avoid harming them, keep the treatment 15 cm (6″) away from ponds. The control may be a little slower. However, the nematodes are capable of surviving even the odd frost. Nemaslug is a unique product, containing microscopic worms (nematodes) which seek out slugs and stop them feeding on your plants within 3 days and then kill them.

There are many preventive measures that have been used by gardeners to minimise slug damage. Most of these do not have any scientific evidence to prove that they are effective. These measures include:If adult insects are present, their eggs will be hatching soon. Again, you may have to make repeat applications.

In this section, I will discuss the numerous benefits of utilising slug nematodes as a means of pest control in gardens and allotments. Eco-Friendly Pest Control a b Brady, Nyle C. & Weil, Ray R. (2009). Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils (3rded.). Prentice Hall. ISBN 9780135014332. Lambshead PJ, Boucher G (2003). "Marine nematode deep-sea biodiversity—hyperdiverse or hype?". Journal of Biogeography. 30 (4): 475–485. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2699.2003.00843.x. S2CID 86504164. Slugs can be a highly damaging pest and are particularly fond of succulent seedlings, which if left unprotected, can be completely destroyed in a single night.

Using slug nematodes allows me to reduce the use of harmful chemical pesticides and garden organically. Chemicals may not only cause harm to non-target organisms but also contaminate soil and water, posing a risk to humans and the environment alike.