In these huge bioreactors, e-nema GmbH produces entomopathogenic nematodes for biological crop protection. Photo: k-film, Michael Kottmeier 

The consumer demand for residue-free food is increasing, and chemical solutions in mushroom cultivation are becoming less available, according to e-nema GmbH, producer of biological plant protection products.

One solution could be found with entomopathogenic (insect-killing) nematodes – which are tiny worm-like organisms barely visible to the naked eye. They are used in biological crop protection and are highly effective, targeted, and have less negative side effects than chemical crop protection methods.

Entomopathogenic nematodes are natural opponents of many insect pests and are being used for pest control in many crop situations and on amenity landscapes. They are being increasingly used within mushroom cultures, in the fight against sciarid flies.

The main sales markets are currently in Europe and North America, but the use of nematodes beyond these regions is increasing.

A partner of the CABI BioProtection Portal, e-nema GmbH – the world market leader with decades of experience in the production of entomopathogenic nematodes – supports this market change from chemical to biological pest and disease control on crops.

e-nema has pledged to support this shift towards biological crop protection methods by continuing to develop biological products and offering effective biological solutions to growers.

Despite the pandemic, e-nema’s sales rose by more than 30% in 2020. This growth is a significant indicator of the strength of the biological crop protection market and the future direction of the industry.

With the general decrease in demand for chemical crop control methods and an increase in consumer demand for residue-free food, this is good news for the biological crop protection industry.

To discover biological crop protection options in your country, the CABI BioProtection Portal is available and free to use. On the portal, you can browse a wide selection of biological crop management options for a variety of pests and crops. To get started simply, select your country here.