In-furrow treatment targets early aphid activity

Argenpapa. Gran Bretaña . 10-03-2010. (Farmer Guardian).

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NEW approval for in-furrow application of thiomethoxam insecticide Actara at planting could give seed potato growers over five weeks post-emergence aphid control, says Syngenta.

The in-furrow treatment has gained approval in time for this season's seed crop planting in Scotland and the north of England.

The highly systemic insecticide is rapidly taken up by the establishing crop and moves into new growth as plants emerge. Aphids feeding on treated plants will be quickly killed, to prevent further damage and limit the spread of virus infections.

Potatoes are especially vulnerable to virus infection during the early growth stages, says Syngenta. However, targeting very early foliar applications when there may be less than 20 per cent ground cover is difficult and potentially wasteful. In-furrow Actara treatment could give greater flexibility in the timing for the start of the foliar spray programme.

Scottish Agronomy potato specialist, Eric Anderson, believes the in-furrow application could prove a valuable start to the insecticide programme in seed crops.

“If we can reduce the early aphid movement with the in-furrow Actara treatment, there is a better chance that the subsequent season-long control programme can achieve the desired result,” he says.

Scottish Agronomy trials indicate no adverse effects on crop vigour or establishment from the in-furrow treatment. The approved dose rate is 100g of Actara per hectare applied in the planting furrow. Application can be carried out using the type of equipment originally developed for in-furrow application of Amistar (azoxystrobin).

Syngenta is advising use of a different insecticide group for the first foliar treatment following an in-furrow application of Actara, as an anti-resistance stewardship measure. A further thiomethoxam foliar application is permitted in seed crops, which the company advises will be best used towards the end of the season.

 

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