Unfortunately, some commercial products effective control of some pest species based on research conducted solely in artificial environments and do not reflect performance in the field. Heterorhabditis Heterorhabditis is less commonly available because it is more difficult to rear and more susceptible to environmental extremes. However, field trials consistently show that this genus outperforms Steinernema for control of white grubs. Heterorhabditis also effectively controls many nursery pests that feed in the root zone, such as black vine weevil and citrus-infesting root weevils. Effects of Environment on Performance of Nematodes Effective use of nematodes for insect control depends on environmental conditions during and after application.
Adequate moisture is the most important factor.
High humidity and free water are the primary conditions for effective use of insect parasitic nematodes. Strain and species differ in temperature sensitivity. In soil applications, nematode movement to the target pest depends on conditions of the soil and thatch. Adequate moisture is essential and pretreatment irrigation is recommended. Irrigation may also cause soil Insects, such as white grubs, to move higher in the soil where they may be more easily found by the nematodes.