Two products from Certis perform well in nematodes control

European growers will find themselves under some pressure this season when it comes to controlling nematodes in root crops. With Vydate in short supply, Mocap 15G, a granular insecticide/nematicide containing ethoprophos from Certis Europe, provides a valuable alternative for effective wireworm control. This new formulation of the product, now restricted to a dose rate of 40kg per hectare, also offers a useful reduction in potato cyst nematode damage. 

 

Growers should be aware of new additional stewardship requirements, introduced to improve safety aspects that already included a closed transfer system for operator safety and to minimise spillage. Key points to note are:

 

• Granules must be soil incorporated immediately to minimise the possibility of damage to non-target species (e.g. birds) where granules are left on the surface.

• Applicators must be turned off 3 metres from every row end to minimise surface granules and possible environmental damage.

• After 24 hours growers must check for and report any bird fatalities.
 

The first two of these have a direct impact on the type of equipment that can be used for application of the product such that old equipment involving application followed by separate incorporation will no longer be suitable. The aim of these stringent stewardship requirements is to retain usage of this product for as long as possible to combat serious wireworm problems.

 

In the UK, another product from Certis, NEMguard, a new formulation of the granular nematicide based on garlic (Allium sativum) has now been approved for use on carrots and parsnips. NEMguard DE is an improvement on the old formulation used by some farmers in development work providing availability of the product in the soil for up to six weeks. The polysulfides released from the product in this patented formulation have a detrimental effect on free living eelworm and root knot eelworm. EAMUs (a type of off-label approval) have been granted on fodder beet, red beet, bulb onions, shallots, leeks and garlic. A significant advantage of the product is that it has no harvest interval and no Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Emergency approval was also granted under a limited time period for NEMguard use on potatoes in the UK in 2015 and it seems likely that different formulations may be seen in future offering a wider label. The product is also being investigated for use on vegetables in the Netherlands.

 

Such unconventional products, which have a good fit under the Sustainable Use Directive as Integrated Pest Management products, may ultimately replace conventional nematicides but for the moment, whilst they are further developed, it is vital to comply with the stringent stewardship requirements imposed to retain the conventional nematicides.