Tag Archive for: NemaGen™

Bionema Launches NemaGen® to Support Turf Industry

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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

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.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

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Bionema Unveils NemaGen™: Bionema Group, a leading developer of biocontrol technologies for crop protection and plant health management, announces the launch of NemaGen™, a next-generation range of native beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes.

Featuring species like Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, NemaGen™ is designed for superior adaptability and efficacy, tailored to increase local ecosystems. This innovative technology addresses critical pest challenges in agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry, achieving up to 20-30% improved pest control compared to conventional bioinsecticides or biopesticides, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

“NemaGen™ is a groundbreaking solution for biological pest control,” said Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema. “By utilising native beneficial nematode strains, we provide highly effective solutions and adaptable to our customers’ environmental conditions. This innovation underscores our commitment to sustainable practices that protect ecosystems while enhancing productivity in the industry.”

Building on the success of NemaTrident® and Nemaspreader®—technologies acquired by Syngenta in 2021—NemaGen™ introduces improved adaptability and effectiveness through locally sourced nematodes. Honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation in 2024 for NemaTrident® innovation, NemaGen™ cutting-edge product has shown exceptional performance against pests like leatherjackets and chafer grubs, which cause over £70 million in annual turf damage.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

“Our NemaGen™ products go beyond pest control,” added Dr Ansari. “They empower growers, farmers, turf professionals, and foresters with sustainable tools to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides while safeguarding essential non-target species like pollinators and earthworms, vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance. This aligns with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture and food security.”

The NemaGen™ range integrates seamlessly with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably. With its selective action against harmful insect pests, NemaGen™ minimises impact on non-target species and ecosystems, making it an environmentally friendly and practical solution for pest management.

Field trials conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 across several UK golf courses, soft fruits, forestry, and agriculture demonstrated over 90% control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs, supplemented by enhanced turf health with RootVita® biostimulants. These trials provided a practical programme for turf professionals.

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema Unveils NemaGen™

Bionema’s launch of NemaGen™ reinforces its position as a pioneer in sustainable pest control. By delivering reliable and effective biocontrol solutions, the company continues to drive innovation for a safer, greener future in food production and natural resource protection.

For more information, visit: www.bionema.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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