Product guide 

General information

Exhibitline sk contains Steinernema kraussei, an insect pathogenic (entomopathogenic) nematode species naturally endemic to the UK. This species has a real benefit in being more COLD-TOLERANT than other predatory nematodes. Exhibitline sk contains infective juvenile stages of the nematode used for the control of Otiorhyncus sulcatus, Black Vine Weevil, the larvae of which feed on plant roots in the soil. Adult weevils feed at night producing tell tale notches around the edges of leaves and flowers. The root feeding larvae cause more damage and weaken plants without indication. Slower growing Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and herbaceous perennials suffer particularly from vine weevil damage, as well as field crops and soft fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants etc.

Parasitic Nematodes

• Cold-tolerant to 5°C
• Can be applied right through the year

 

Steinernema kraussei was collected from woodlands in Fife in Scotland, but is endemic throughout Europe even up to high altitudes, hence its excellent tolerance to cold soil conditions. In trials, even December applications at less than 3°C resulted in 75% control by the following year, which is much better than many chemicals. It is a robust nematode species, giving consistent and high efficacy compared to other nematodes such as Heterorhabditis megidis and Steinernema carpocapsae.

The low temperature efficacy is a result of the species of nematode and its associated bacterium. Like other nematodes, it will give at least 4 weeks persistent effect, or more if vine weevil food is available. An additional advantage is that this species will also infect and kill pupae. It will go down into the soil and actively hunt for prey.

How to use Exhibitline sk

Application method for optimum results

• Treatments should be made when vine weevil larvae are present, in spring and autumn
• The soil or compost should be moist, and should remain moist for the 4 weeks following application
• Soil temperature should be between 5-30°C
• Soil should be loose and not compacted
• Break soil crusts before application
• Scarifying between rows in the field is recommended
• The most economical and effective application method is drench application to the plant base
• Routinely treat new material coming onto the nursery that may contain vine weevil larvae
• Use entire pack at one time, do not sub-divide the contents, since the nematodes may not be evenly spread in the carrier
• Once mixed with water, use immediately
• Agitate nematodes during application
• If product is applied over foliage, irrigate immediately with water to wash nematodes onto compost

Application via T-Tape and Dripper Systems:
Inaccurate placing of the product using this system can result in reduced performance, and a need to increase dosage. Please ask our advisors for guidelines. Drippers should be located close to root-zones

Exhibitline sk:
Persists for approximately four weeks, larvae emerging from eggs laid after this time may be poorly controlled, unless sufficient food has been available for the nematodes to survive. Exhibitline sk will not control weevil eggs or adults.
 

Mixing and filling sprayers

• Remove all filters including those in the nozzles from the sprayer
• Empty the Exhibitline sk pack into a large bucket, add some water and mix thoroughly
• Rinse bucket contents into the sprayer tank through its sieve
• Add the additional volume of water to the tank

 

Dosage

Successful field results can be achieved with 1 million nematodes/m2. Ideally drench individual plants or spray root zone areas.

 

Nematodes	Code	Pots	Field
250 million	1014-03	500 m2	250 m2
50 million	1014-02	125 m2	50 m2

Strawberries:
drenching individual plants, drench on the basis of 25,000 nematodes per plant. Aim for a spray volume of 100ml per plant to achieve soil or compost penetration. This is particularly recommended for bag or container grown plants.

Spray timing for strawberries:
Make the first application 6-8 weeks after planting, or onto plant crowns after topping in Autumn or Spring. Apply twice per year to obtain optimum performance.

Soft fruit field & tunnel crops: crop area spraying:
Treat the whole soil surface under plants on each side of the row up to the limit of the root system. Water the nematodes into the top 5cm of soil after spraying for improved performance. Aim for 4 litres spray volume per square metre.

For pot-plants and container-grown stock, the dose varies with pot size. Use the following guide:

1. Dilution

 

Code	Nematodes	Water
1014-03	250 mio	2,000 L.
1014-02	50 mio	400

 

2. Number of pots treated (Do not over-water pots: aim for 1 l/m2 spray volume.)

 

Pot Size	1014-02 50 million	1014-03 250 million
1 litre	6,500	33,000
2 litres	5,000	25,000
3 litres	3,530	17,650
4 litres	2,900	14,500
5 litres	2,500	12,500

Precautions, Storage & Transport

• Upon receipt, remove the outer packaging
• Ensure good air circulation around each tray
• Do not use product past the expiry date
• Store at 5°C (in the fridge)
• Do not freeze 
• The compatibility of Exhibitline sk with commonly applied pesticides has not
  been fully elaborated
• Some chemicals may reduce the viability and/or efficacy of the product
• If in doubt check with your supplier first