DR. BUGS Low growing medium moisture can affect S. feltiae by inducing inactivity. That it why it is important to irrigate before and immediately after applying S. feltiae. larvae in the growing medium; thus affecting management. In addition, persistence is influenced by growing medium moisture and temperature. Steinernema feltiae requires a moist growing medium for survival. Growing medium moisture affects the ability of S. feltiae to move through the growing medium profile (matrix), which can influence the effectiveness of S. feltiae in managing fungus gnat larval populations. Low growing medium moisture may inhibit the ability of S. feltiae to locate fungus gnat larvae because of an insufficient film of moisture, which restricts movement within the growing medium. Furthermore, low growing medium moisture can affect S. feltiae by inducing inactivity. That is why it is important to irrigate before and immediately after applying S. feltiae. Infective juveniles will drown if the growing medium retains too much water. Therefore, avoid overwatering and use a well-drained growing medium. Growing medium temperature can influence the effectiveness of Circle 103 GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 11 S. feltiae in managing fungus gnat larval populations. Growing medium temperature should be between 46 and 86° F for infection, and 50 and 77° F for reproduction. A growing medium temperature greater than 90° F can negatively affect survival and reproduction; thus reducing the ability of S. feltiae to manage fungus gnat larval populations. Steinernema feltiae is most effective in managing fungus gnat larval populations when the growing medium temperature is between 59 and 79° F. It is important to understand how growing medium moisture and temperature affect the ability of S. feltiae to manage fungus gnat larval populations, which will influence the success of S. feltiae when used in greenhouse production systems. COMPLETE WATER MANAGEMENT Water Storage Pump Engineering Dramm has the team and equipment to design and install your water management program. Call to learn how Dramm can help you. Filtration Ozone Disinfection ® Integrated Plant Health information@dramm.com www.dramm.com 920.684.0227http://www.dramm.com