Potato Review

PEST CONTROL found to determine success. If establishment is to meet expectations, the seed needs to be sown into a warming, not cooling soil, with adequate moisture. Some species of cover crop, however, should be avoided as they can support FLN populations. “Some species, notably Phacelia and black oat, positively support Pratylenchus populations, so growers need to be wary of making the situation worse,” Eric said. Good cultural controls have an increasing role to play in managing nematode populations, but when it comes to protecting yield potential in the presence of nematodes, nematicides are the only realistic choice. e question facing growers is whether to apply them alone or in sequence? “Application strategy is often central to success while operator workload is an important consideration at what is a busy period of the year,” said Richard Phillips, Bayer Campaign Manager for root crops. “Most ware growers will follow a zero- tolerance approach to PCN and FLN. In external trials spanning four successive years, we see that the greatest yield protection comes when Velum Prime is applied in sequence with Nemathorin. is policy also results in the greatest reduction in PCN populations.” Flexibility in application is often central to determining a strategy. Having the option of applying in-furrow at the time of planting or as a broadcast spray to the soil surface before incorporating up to 72-hours before planting are unique features of Velum Prime. But what matters most is the yield protection achieved in practice. “In high pressure situations, typically upwards of 20 eggs per gram of soil, we see that the greatest yield protection and the biggest reduction in post-crop populations comes from Velum Prime applied in sequence with Nemathorin,” said Richard. In external trials commissioned by Bayer between 2018 and 2021 using a range of varieties with low resistance to Globodera pallida, Velum Prime treated crops yielded 95% of those treated with Nemathorin at 30kg/ ha. When Velum Prime and Nemathorin are applied in sequence, the yield uplift is 13% over Nemathorin-only treated crops. “Aside from the higher yield, the labour savings and reduced packaging to dispose of are of signi cant bene t to operators during busy periods,” Richard add. Achieving control of PCN over the long- term, however, means bring populations down. is is best achieved through resistant varieties and other cultural measures, but nematicides can slow the rate of increase that might otherwise occur, especially with varieties with poor resistance, he added. Typhon Multi-Head Linear Weigher Accuracy within 2g, Large HD Touch Screen, IoT 4.0 Connectivity, Finished in Stainless Steel. WWW.AGRIMECH.CO +44 (0) 1354 638 222 (Available in 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20 Head Layouts) T: 01353 740666 • E: sales@davidharrisons.com • W: davidharrisons.com Bagging and weighing machines from 10 to 25kg pre-pack unit sealing systems with medium/heavy duty stitchers and a range of options including sack presenters and placers powered in-feed belt conveyors. Exclusive agents for: BAG IT. WEIGH IT. STITCH IT.