Ekobioset

How Does the Flatheaded Root Borer (Capnodis spp.) Cause Damage?

The larvae of the flatheaded root borer (Capnodis spp.) live in the soil and create galleries beneath the bark of tree roots, filling them with frass and sawdust-like material. Over time, the larvae feed on the cambium layer by chewing through it. As their population increases, they damage the vascular tissues of the tree, restricting the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil.

Initially, they slow down tree growth and eventually stop it altogether. If left uncontrolled, they can cause the tree to gradually dry out and die.

Adult flatheaded root borers damage trees by feeding on graft buds and young leaves. They also lay their eggs around the graft union. The larvae that hatch from these eggs can prevent successful graft establishment.

How Does Ekobioset Work?

The beneficial nematodes contained in Ekobioset enter flatheaded root borer larvae through natural openings such as the mouth and anus.

Each nematode carries approximately 200 bacterial cells inside a specialized sac within its body. These bacteria live in a symbiotic relationship with the nematodes.

Once inside the larva, the nematodes release these symbiotic bacteria into the pest's body cavity and digestive system, causing disease and death within a short period.

Inside the dead larval cadaver, the nematodes feed and reproduce. They then emerge as third-stage infective juveniles.

These entomopathogenic nematodes can remain active in the soil for months as infective juveniles, searching for flatheaded root borer larvae without feeding.

The first larval mortalities typically begin to appear within 15–20 days after application.

Ekobioset is a biological control agent containing Steinernema carpocapsae.

How Should Ekobioset Be Applied?

Proper and complete application significantly increases the biological effectiveness of Ekobioset.

Please read the following instructions carefully and follow each step completely before application.

Precautions Before Application

Package Selection and Storage Conditions

• Ekobioset is available in packages containing 50 million, 250 million, or 500 million biological control agents.
• Select the package size that provides 1 million nematodes per tree.
• An opened package should be used in a single application.
• Always check the expiration date before use.
• The shelf life of Ekobioset is up to 45 days when stored at 2–6°C (35.6–42.8°F).
• If not used immediately after delivery, it must be stored in a dark environment at 2–6°C.
• Ekobioset remains active at temperatures between 8°C and 28°C (46.4°F–82.4°F).

Preparation of Ekobioset

Good penetration into the root zone significantly increases success rates.

For application, motorized sprayers, sprinkler irrigation systems, backpack sprayers, or even watering cans may be used.

Preparation Steps

1. Ensure that the application tank is completely clean before filling it with water.
2. Fill the tank halfway with clean, chlorine-free water at 15–20°C (59–68°F).
3. Adjust the total water volume to provide at least 20–30 liters of water per plant for every application area.
4. Remove all filters and screens from the application tank to prevent clogging.
5. Spray nozzles should have an opening larger than 0.5 mm (500 microns).
6. Add the entire contents of the Ekobioset package into a separate bucket containing 10 liters of water.
7. Stir gently for approximately 5 minutes.
8. Pour the homogeneous mixture into the half-filled application tank.
9. Add the remaining amount of water to complete the mixture.

Application of Ekobioset

• Apply a total of 1 million nematodes per tree.
• Keep the agitator running during application to prevent settling.
• Mixing should continue until the application is completed.
• In orchards with drip irrigation systems, apply 20–30 liters of water per tree before treatment to ensure adequate soil moisture.
• Maintain soil moisture through irrigation after application.
• Maximum pressure at the spray nozzle and spray gun should not exceed 5 bar.

How Does It Provide a Solution?

Flatheaded Root Borer (Capnodis spp.)

Ekobioset provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable biological control solution by using beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes to locate, infect, and eliminate flatheaded root borer larvae in the soil, reducing pest populations and protecting tree health without the need for conventional chemical insecticides.