Certis launches new slug pellet product MetaPads

A new high quality, metaldehyde based slug pellet ‘MetaPads’ has been launched by crop protection firm Certis in time for the autumn season.

Offering a low dose, low concentration formulation it allows two applications within the critical autumn use period that has recently been subject to dose rate restrictions.
 
Marketing manager Robert Lidstone explains that the new 3% metaldehyde treatment has a recommended label rate of 3kg/ha for normal infestations. “This delivers 90g of metaldehyde per hectare; enough for two applications without exceeding the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s advised maximum of 210g metaldehyde from 1 August to 31 December.”
 
He adds that MetaPads maintain a high level of efficacy because they are highly palatable ‘pad shaped’ and spread evenly. “In this instance it is a case of quality, not quantity. MetaPads are produced using a unique patented vacuum extrusion process,” says Robert. 
 
"This ensures total pellet uniformity and no dust. Their novel ‘pad’ shape also offers an enticing thin biting edge which is easier for small slugs to consume and what we find is that once a slug starts feeding on a pellet, it stays feeding until a lethal dose has been consumed.
 
"As you would expect, MetaPads are extremely weather resistant and whilst the pads expand and soften with moisture, the pellets last well in the field.
 
"MetaPads illustrates how modern cutting edge pellet technology has a role to play in helping address the water issues associated with metaldehyde. Slug pellets are pesticides and therefore demand the kind of investment and innovation that has gone into the development of this new treatment.”
 
Mr Lidstone adds that MetaPads are replacing other pasta based products and have a strong fit within the Certis slug pellet portfolio with Trigger 3 their well established existing metaldehyde solution offering an early pre August opportunity and Sluxx which is a ferric phosphate based product for use as an alternative in high risk situations such as when field drains are flowing or those fields bordering watercourses and/or when the 210g metaldehyde limit has been reached between 1 August & 31 December.