Swansea, United Kingdom
15 January 2025
Bionema Group, a leading developer of biocontrol technologies for crop protection and plant health management, is excited to announce the launch of NemaGen™, a next-generation range of native beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes, at the British Turf Management Exhibition (BTME). The NemaGen™ product line includes offerings such as NemaGen™-CG and NemaGen™-LJ for chafer grubs and leatherjacket control I sport field, which feature native species like Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. These products are designed for superior adaptability and efficacy, specifically tailored to enhance local ecosystems such as low soil temperature. This innovative technology effectively tackles critical pest challenges in agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry, achieving an impressive 20-30% improvement in pest control compared to conventional bioinsecticides and biopesticides while significantly reducing environmental impact.
NemaGen™ is a groundbreaking solution for biological pest control,” said Stephen Ford, CTO of Bionema Group. “By utilising native beneficial nematode strains, we provide highly effective solutions 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.
“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’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.
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