Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW MAY/JUNE 2023 45 SLUG CONTROL trajectory. is allows three spinners to cover 45m or four to spread as wide as 54m. As each disc has a relatively modest area to cover, the rm says it maintains an even spread pattern over the full boom width and gives consistent results with both regular and mini pellets. Capacity of the central hopper is 400-litres and this can be mounted at the front, rear, or on a central platform. As standard, the Outcast V2 comes with a manual control system. However, many choose to add GPS speed-related rate adjustment and headland control, which prevents over application at eld ends. Prices for a 24m Outcast V2 start at about £8,000, with GPS and headland control adding about £2,000 to that gure. However, prices do vary as Techneat designs each set-up to suit the user’s machine and requirements. e British rm is also seeing increasing demand for its Multicast applicator which o ers the ability to pipe a range of products, including slug pellets, to a series of spreader plates on the boom. At £20,000 to £25,000, it’s a considerably more expensive option. However, it can make sense for those that want to use their sprayer for applying Avadex, establishing a cover crop, and applying slug pellets. For those looking for something simpler, the rm also o ers a twin-disc Outcast Duo applicator that spreads up to 24m and has the option of being tted with GPS speed sensing. APV MMD 100 M1 Having recently dropped the twin-disc model from its line-up, the top-spec slug pellet applicator from Austrian rm APV is the single-disc MMD 100 M1. Calibration Wizard Certis Belchim has developed a Calibration Wizard with the help of SCS, which helps ne tune slug pelleter settings to make application as accurate as possible. is makes the process of changing between di erent application rates, or between di erent pellet sizes, quick and easy. Once the web app is opened on a computer or smartphone, users select the pellet type, model of applicator, spreading width and target application rate. e tool will then give a series of aperture settings for di erent forward speeds, as well as showing the number of bating points that will be achieved. It can be accessed for free by visiting www.certisbelchim.co.uk/calibration is is suitable for mounting on the front of a self-propelled sprayer, as well as a tractor linkage and ATV/UTV, and o ers 100-litres of hopper capacity with a spreading width of up to 28m. Pellets are metered onto the spinning disc via a seeding shaft, the speed of which can be altered from a control box in the cab. ere’s also the option of adding speed-related rate control and headland management. An added bonus is the fact that the spinning disc can be removed and replaced by a pneumatic unit, allowing the machine to double up as a small seeds applicator. A lower capacity version with 40-litre hopper is also available. Prices for the MMD 100 M1 start at £1,700, the smart control box adds £1,025 and a GPS sensor is an additional £927. It’s available in the UK through Yorkshire-based importer ST Gowan. Controlling slugs in potatoes is essential to prevent quality-robbing feeding damage. Good results rely on picking the right pellet and applying the product as accurately as possible at the correct timing. Photo: Blackthorn Arable Premium slug pellets like Sluxx HP are tough enough to resist breaking up when spreading and have a uniform size, which in turn gives an even spread pattern and the best slug control results.