July 26, 2010 – ALACHUA, Fla. – Pasteuria Bioscience (http://www.pasteuriabio.com) has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for Pasteuria usgae liquid formulation for use against sting nematodes on both turf and strawberries.
July 26, 2010 – ALACHUA, Fla. – Pasteuria Bioscience (http://www.pasteuriabio.com) has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for Pasteuria usgae liquid formulation for use against sting nematodes on both turf and strawberries.
Sting nematode cause significant damage to turf grasses, strawberries, tomato and vegetable crops, and corn.
How Pasteuria Works
When Pasteuria spp. attacks the nematodes the amount of damage the nematode causes is significantly reduced. The life cycle of sting nematodes infected with Pasteuria is illustrated:
1. Attachment Stage: Pasteuria attaches to the nematode as it passes through the treated soil.
2. Germination Stage: Pasteuria penetrates the outer cuticle of the nematode and infects the interior of the body.
3. Cell Growth Stage: Pasteuria cells fill the nematode body and begin to change into several intermediate shapes as nutrients are depleted.
4. Sporulation Stage: Pasteuria spores begin to form, increasing
in number.
5. Maturation Stage: The spores develop external structures that
will allow them to attach to more nematodes.
6. Spore Release Stage: At the death of the nematode, spores are
released into the soil to repeat the cycle.
