Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry: The UK natural turf sector, valued at approximately USD 501 million in 2024 and projected to continue growing, is facing sustained pressure from crane fly and chafer larvae, following the withdrawal of chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid from amenity use.
The amenity turf sector includes golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, and airfields, where soil insect damage directly affects surface quality, safety, and renovation costs.
Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry
Industry observations across multiple UK golf courses and sports facilities indicate leatherjacket populations have increased from historic levels of approximately 30 larvae per m² to peaks of 100–600 larvae per m² at affected sites. Turf managers report increased renovation, labour and surface repair requirements as a result.
In response, Bionema has launched NemaGen® Hd, a cold-tolerant entomopathogenic nematode platform active from soil temperatures of 8°C. UK field trials have demonstrated 60–70% control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs under defined soil temperature and moisture conditions.
NemaGen® Hd offers:
- Extended seasonal application from early spring through autumn.
• Structured temperature-timed deployment guidance.
• Compatibility with wetting agents to optimise dispersal.
• Direct technical support from Dr Minshad Ansari, specialist in entomopathogenic nematodes.
In addition, the improved formulation enhances product stability, delivering a shelf life of up to 10 weeks under recommended storage conditions, with encapsulated formats offering extended stability for specialist applications.
“With regulatory changes reducing curative insecticide options, the sector requires reliable biological alternatives that are correctly timed and technically supported,” said Dr Ansari. “NemaGen® Hd is designed as a deployable biological solution within integrated pest management programmes, restoring confidence in biological turf insect control.”
Commercial supply for the 2026 season is now open.
NemaGen® Hd is suitable for golf courses, sports pitches, racecourses, airfields and managed lawns.
Bionema is currently selecting one to two UK and EU distribution partners for the 2026 season.
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