Conditions suit Telone well and offer a great opportunity to get on top of PCN

UK - October 30, 2006

This year's autumn conditions are particularly well-suited for the optimal performance of the soil nematicide, Telone II, and contract-applied applications to control cyst, root-knot and free-living nematodes on potato-land are going well.  Growers should grasp this opportunity to break the PCN cycle whilst conditions are optimal and to benefit from the profit that the use of Telone II brings, says Dow AgroSciences.

According to David Hildred of specialist Boston Crop Sprayers who contract apply the product for growers, it is a very good year for Telone II applications.  "We started a little later this year as the conditions were too dry in July, but once we had a good drop of rain, we have been non-stop ever since and we expect to be applying Telone II for a few weeks yet.  The soil temperatures are optimal at around 14°C and the soil moisture is excellent. These conditions are ideal as they allow the chemical to vaporise and permeate upwards through the soil from below the plough layer, where it is injected and where PCN cysts are found.   Many farmers are very pleased with the results from Telone II, which is why there is strong repeat business for this excellent treatment.  They notice better yield, quality and uniformity in potato crops which have had Telone II and appreciate its benefits right across the rotation."

"Telone II is a liquid nematicide with fumigant action and can be applied any time in the potato rotation by soil injection using specialist professional contractors.  Application, following ploughing, immediately after lifting a potato crop takes advantage of good soil conditions.  For best performance, soil temperatures at 20 cms depth should be at least 5°C, and preferably between 7°C to 15°C.  Soil moisture should be at 40-50% of field capacity," explains John Sellars Potato Marketing Specialist for Dow AgroSciences.

"PCN remains the major pest of potatoes, infesting at least two-thirds of the UK potato crop.  Effective containment of these damaging pests requires an integrated approach using wide crop rotations, resistant varieties where markets can still be satisfied, nematicide treatments and Telone II.  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 and keep on track.  With suitable autumn conditions to help achieve effective performance, growers should use the opportunity this autumn to get on top of the problem," concludes John.