Crack on with PCN control this autumn whilst conditions are optimal

Crack on with PCN control this autumn whilst conditions are optimal

UK - October 18, 2005

This year's autumn conditions are ideal for the use of the soil nematicide, Telone II, and applications to control cyst, root-knot and free-living nematodes are going well.  Growers should take the opportunity to break the eelworm cycle whilst conditions are optimal and benefit from the profit that the use of Telone can bring, advises Dow AgroSciences.

The conditions are perfect for Telone II this year, reports David Hildred of specialist Boston Crop Sprayers who contract apply the product for growers.  "The soil temperatures are around 14°C and the soil moisture and tilth are both good.  These conditions allow Telone II to vaporise and permeate upwards through the plough layer where it is injected   Most PCN cysts are found within this plough layer and so will be exposed to its effects.  This harvest many growers have noticed the benefits of yield, quality and uniformity in potato crops which have had a Telone application last autumn.  They can see the positive financial benefit from such a treatment and, as a result, applications of Telone are going very well this autumn."

"Telone is a liquid nematicide with fumigant action and is applied any time in the potato rotation by soil injection using specialist professional contractors.  Application, following ploughing, immediately after lifting a potato crop usually takes advantage of the best soil conditions and a wider application window.  For best performance, soil temperatures at 20 cm depth should at least 5°C, preferably higher between 7° to 15°C and soil moisture should be at 40-50% of field capacity," explains Simon Parker, Potato Specialist for Dow AgroSciences..       
 
"PCN remains the key pest of potatoes, infesting at least two-thirds of the UK potato crop.  Control of these pests needs an integrated approach using wide crop rotations, resistant varieties where markets can still be satisfied, nematicide treatments and Telone.  Without a long-term management strategy, PCN populations will escalate and it is only through the use of Telone II that growers can get back on track.  With suitable autumn conditions to help achieve effective performance, growers can get on top of the problem," adds Simon.